KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The Niagara softball team continued its good early season form by sweeping the Holy Cross Crusaders, 3-1 and 10-2, on Monday afternoon at the Rebel Spring Games. Kayla Hines (Clifton Park, N.Y.) shined on the day going 5-for-6 at the plate with three home runs.

"We continue to make progress (today),” head coach Al Dirschberger said.  “Kayla (Hines) had a great day not only at the plate, but with her leadership."

In game one, Hines put the Purple Eagles (6-0) up 2-0 with a two-run homer in the first inning. She added a solo home run in the fifth inning to score all three runs for Niagara. Freshman pitcher Julie DiMatteo (South Portland, Maine) threw a two-hitter and struck out 13 en route to her second win of the season.

Niagara pounded out 12 hits in game two of the day. Hines went 3-for-3 with a homer; Maggie McDonald (Cicero, N.Y.) and Melissa Markle (Orchard Park, N.Y.) each went 2-for-3, while Teresa Healy (Las Vegas, Nev.) knocked out a home run with a 1-for-3 game.

Cassie Stone (North Tonawanda, N.Y.) picked up the win going four innings, allowing five hits, two runs and two strikeouts.

Niagara continues its stay in central Florida tomorrow afternoon with games against St. Francis (Pa.) and Valparaiso.