FAIRFAX, Va. - The Niagara University Softball team earned its first victory of the season on Saturday defeating Quinnipiac 3-1 on the first day of the Patriot Invitational.

Niagara jumped into the lead early in the game and never looked back. Niagara scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Scoring for Niagara was Kristin Kill (South Portland, Me.) Kayle Hines (Clifton Park, N.Y.) and Teresa Healy (Las Vegas, N.V.). Hitting a double, and batting in all three runs was Jenna Baker (West Seneca, N.Y.).

Pitching for Niagara was Tiffany McCroy (Albuquerqe, N.M.) who only gave up six hits and one run.

The Purple Eagles followed up the win playing a second game of the day taking on Princeton and falling 6-5. Niagara tied Princeton 3-3 after three innings of play. The Purple Eagles gained the lead with runs scored by Felicia Coffey (Mesa, Az.) in the top of the fifth inning and then Baker in the top of the 6th, giving the Purple Eagles a one-run lead. Niagara was unable to hold off the Patriots who scored in the bottom of the 7th inning to give them the one-run lead, and the victory.

"Today was a great day in getting our first win of the season, however it was frustrating losing our second game in extra innings.  The experience, although not what we were looking for, will strengthen us as the season moves forward," said coach Al Dirschberger. "We continue our work on improving our consistency and being more aggressive."