POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - The Niagara softball team (21-20, 10-6 MAAC) split its doubleheader against the Marist Red Foxes (10-35, 4-12 MAAC), 10-3 and 5-3, to conclude the regular season on Sunday afternoon. The Purple Eagles' 10-3 win in game one clinched a playoff spot in next week's MAAC Tournament.

Niagara 10, Marist 3

Niagara entered the series needing one win to clinch one of the four spots in the MAAC Tournament. The Purple Eagles scored three runs in third, fifth and sixth innings.

In the third inning, Kristin Sito and Becky Zill each had RBI singles, while Kayla Hines stole home in a double steal. In the fifth inning, Jen Hare hit a two RBI single to centerfield and Kristin Kill singled home one run to give NU a 7-0 lead. Marist would score three runs in the sixth inning on four hits, but ended the inning with the bases loaded.

Niagara put the game away in the seventh inning with aggressive hitting. Maggie McDonald, Teresa Healy and Jenna Baker all had RBIs in the inning. Hare led the game with three hits in four at-bats and had two RBIs and two runs. Kill, Healy and Hines each had two hits, with Healy having two RBIs.

Julie DiMatteo pitched her 14th complete game and picked up eight strikeouts to improve her record to 14-5.

Niagara 3, Marist 5

Niagara took an early 2-0 lead in game two behind a RBI ground out by Baker in the first inning and solo home run by Healy in the third inning.

The Red Foxes managed to score five runs in their half of the third inning to take a lead they would not relinquish.

The Purple Eagles score one run in the seventh inning. Pinch runner Laynie Stillman scored from third base after Kill was caught stealing at second. McDonald followed with a single to bring up the tying run; however, Healy fouled out to the third baseman to end the game.

Niagara will be the third seed in the 2010 MAAC Tournament which starts on May 13 on the campus of Canisius College. The Purple Eagles will play second-seeded Iona on Thursday; time to be determined.