FAIRFAX, Va. - The Niagara softball team (2-6) forced extra innings with a late game push, scoring six runs in the top of the seventh inning to tie the game at 10 before losing in the eighth inning off an unearned run.

Niagara's scoring campaign didn't really kick off until the seventh inning, but the Purple Eagles were rolling early in the game. Jenna Baker (West Seneca, N.Y.) hit two home runs, scoring an addidtional unearned run, while Teresa Healy (Las Vegas, Nev.) also tallied a run early in the game. Despite the success at the plate, the Big Red scored seven runs in the fourth inning and led 10-4 heading into the seventh inning.

In the final effort Niagara scored six runs to tie the game and force the contest into additional innings. Scoring for the Purple Eagles to tie the game was Kristin Kill (South Portland, Me.), Kayle Hines (Clifton Park, N.Y.), who got on with a single, Tory Healy (Las Vegas, Nev.), who also hit a single, Teresa Healy (Las Vegas, Nev.), hitting a double to center field, Jenna Baker and Maggie McDonald (Cicero, N.Y.) hitting a single. The 10-10 tie forced the game on into extra innings.

The Purple Eagle's split their pitching with Tiffany Mcrory (Albuquerque, N.M.) and Katie Gleiser(Cheektowaga, N.Y.) each pitching three innings and Brooke Viola (Los Alamitos,Calif.) pitching an inning.

The Big Red scored in the eigth inning to take the lead, and the 11-10 victory.

Next week the Purple Eagles travel to Virgina Beach, Va. to compete in the Spartans Classic.