NORFOLK, Va. - Niagara (3-5) concluded its games in the Spartan Clash with a 5-4 defeat against the Lafayette Leopards (2-1) on Sunday morning.

"We made way too many mental and physical errors and we are continuing to solidify our defense," head Al Dirschberger said.

Freshman Becky Zill continued her hot hitting performance this weekend with another 4-for-4 effort in today's game. NU was trailing 2-0 heading into the top of the third inning when Zill launched a three-run home run to left field to give the Purple Eagles a 3-2 lead.

The Leopards jumped back in front with a two-run fourth inning before junior Kayla Hines drove home Zill in the fifth to tie at 4-4. In the sixth inning, Lafayette broke the deadlock by scoring one run.

Niagara put the first two batters on base to start the seventh inning, but proceeded to go down in order to end the game.

The Purple Eagles will play Mount St. Mary in their first game in the Cherry Blossom Classic on Friday, March 12.