VILLANOVA, PA. - The Niagara baseball team (4-14) couldn't hold onto a one run lead in the ninth inning, falling to the host Villanova Wildcats (13-2) by a 2-1 margin on Friday afternoon.

The Purple Eagles were one out away from the victory, when Marlon Calbi reached first base on an error. The error set off a tough series of events for Niagara, which quickly saw the tables turn on a run-scoring single by Paul Rambaud. The Wildcats pushed the decisive run across the plate just one batter later, when Matt Szczur singled to the right side off of relief pitcher Geoff Strong.

Niagara got on the board in the sixth inning, when Ryan McCauley singled up the middle, scoring Stephen Smith from third base.

Starting pitcher Dan Morari pitched 8.2 innings, allowing six hits and striking out six. Morari didn't allow a hit until the fourth inning.

The Purple Eagles are back in action on Saturday, March 20, when they take on Temple at 1:15 p.m.