KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The Niagara softball team suffered its first defeat of the season with a 4-1 setback against St. Francis (Pa.) on Wednesday afternoon in the Rebel Spring Games. The Purple Eagles rebounded with a 7-4 victory over Valparaiso later in the day.

"Although we did not play our strongest today, we found a way to persevere," head coach Al Dirschberger said. "Ending the week 7-1 is a good start to the season. We learned a lot about our team, and the players found out a lot about themselves.  I look forward to their continued growth and development."

Felicia Coffey (Mesa, Ariz.) led off the game with a solo blast, but that would be all the scoring for Niagara (7-1) in the game. The Purple Eagles left runners on base all game.

Ali Grab (Erie, Pa.) (0-1) pitched five innings and gave up three hits and two runs; Cassie Stone (North Tonawanda, N.Y.) pitched two innings in relief, allowing three hits and two runs.

In game two of the day, the Purple Eagles rallied from a 4-2 deficit in the seventh inning to beat Valparaiso, 7-4. Niagara scored five runs in the top of the seventh, including a two RBI single by Jennifer Hare (Tonawanda, N.Y.). Michelle Krier (Kenmore, N.Y.), reigning MAAC Pitcher of the Week, picked up her third win.