BUFFALO, N.Y. – Second-seeded Niagara was eliminated in the 2010 MAAC Softball Championship by top-seeded Canisius, 4-0, on Friday afternoon at Demske Sports Complex.

Niagara (22-22) was playing in its second elimination game of the day after beating Manhattan 2-1 in eight innings to stay alive in the tournament. The Purple Eagles were shut down by a dominant pitching performance by Canisius’ Amanda Baun who outduel Julie DiMatteo.

Canisius’ (34-18) four-run third inning were all of the runs Baun needed. Canisius had three-straight hits to start the inning and  then had back-to-back two-run doubles by Katie Lancellotti and Emily Helbig to give the Golden Griffins a 4-0 lead.

Baun was one out away from throwing a no-hitter when she walked Becky Zill for her second walk of the game. Senior Jenna Baker broke up Baun’s no-hitter with a blooper to right field to put runners on the corner.  Kristin Sito grounded out to third base to end the game.

“I’m very proud of what this team was able to accomplish,” head coach Al Dirschberger said. “We went through a lot of adversity, but we never folded and to be one game away from the Championship (series) is saying a lot.”

Niagara finishes the season with a 22-22 record.