GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Niagara softball team played its fourth game of the season today, and despite a late inning rally, Niagara fell to Central Michigan 4-3 in the final game of the UNC Greensboro Tournament. Niagara finishes the tournament 0-4.

Today was a doay of missed opportunities, we went 1-8 in scoring situations early in the game and it came back to hurt us in the end," said coach Al Dirschberger.

Central Michigan's Brittini Merchant scored an un earned run off a triple hit by Amy Hudson, in the top of the first inning. Christinia Novak hit a single to drive Hudson home for a 2-0 lead on the Purple Eagles. Central Michigan continued its run in the third and fourth innings scoring an additional run in each for a 4-0 lead.

Niagara wouldn't go down with out a fight, scoring two runs in the sixth inning, including two home runs. Kayla Hines (Clifton Park, N.Y.) with one out on the board hit a home run to put the Purple Eagles on the board, now trailing by three runs.

Now with two outs on the board Jenna Baker (West Seneca, N.Y.)  hit a double to put Niagara on base. The Chippewas then brought in their relief pitcher Ali Pettit to close out the game. Teresa Healy (Las Vegas, Nev.) wasted no time and hit a two-run homer putting the Purple Eagles in reach of Central Michigan, but unable to seal the deal.

"Although a dissapointing outcome from the weekend, it was a very productive outing.  We learned a lot about ourselves and each other," said Dirschberger.  "Losing three one run games will serve as motivation to continue working hard.  We had a runner in scoring position in the last inning of all three games and fell short.  All three teams have been picked to contend for thier conference championship and they all have starters who are returning from successful seasons last year.  To have our team comprised of younger talent learning how to play next to each other, I am extremly proud at how they handled themselves and continue to grow.  We will now use the next nine days to work on improving in some areas before we head into our next tournament."