FAIRFAX, Va. – The Niagara softball was on the losing end of a pitching duel against the George Mason Patriots in its first game in the George Mason Invitational this afternoon. The Purple Eagles lost 2-1 to the host school.

"It was a very good game, but unfortunately we made mental mistakes early in the game which contributed to giving up two runs,” head coach Al Dirschberger said.  “However, we did so many good things during the game that we cannot dwell on our mistakes. We will focus on the positives and continue to make progress every time we step on the field.  Tomorrow is another day to move forward."

Niagara (7-2) entered the game 7-1 from its five-day tournament in Kissimmee, Fla. The Patriots scored two runs in the first inning off of mental mistakes on defense. Niagara would clamp down on defense to allow the offense to comeback.

The Purple Eagles had the bases loaded in their half of the second, but failed to score. Niagara had the bases loaded again in the fourth; Kristin Solo (Elyria, Ohio) singled home Maggie McDonald (Cicero, N.Y.) for Niagara’s first and only run.

Michelle Krier (Kenmore, N.Y.) suffered her first loss of the season; she gave up three hits, two runs and had three strikeouts.

Niagara plays Central Connecticut at 2, and then Cornell at 4 p.m. on Saturday.