Niagara (28-18) was denied a spot in tomorrow’s championship game despite jumping to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. The Purple Eagles batted around and the first four batters crossed home plate. Jenna Baker (West Seneca, N.Y.) singled home the first run of the game and with the bases loaded Heather Lohrman (Newport Beach, Calif.) grounded out to second to score Maggie McDonald (Cicero, N.Y.) from third. Senior captain Melissa Markle (Orchard Park, N.Y.) added two more runs with a single to centerfield to cap the 4-0 start.

Canisius (25-22) took over the game in the fourth inning down 4-1. The Golden Griffins got a leadoff homer to start the inning and put two runners on base before starting pitcher Michelle Krier (Kenmore, N.Y.) was replaced by game one starter Julie DiMatteo (South Portland, Maine). DiMatteo would walk home one batter with the bases loaded and the go-ahead run came on a fielding error by Kayla Hines (Clifton Park, N.Y.); the resulting play scored two runs and Canisius took a 5-4 lead. The Golden Griffins scored an insurance run in the fifth.

Niagara offense went ice cold after a blistering first inning start. The Purple Eagles only managed two hits after the first inning off of Canisius starting pitcher Mallory Aldred, who picked up the complete game win.

The Purple Eagles must wait to find out their opponent in their elimination game this afternoon.