Live Stats vs. Akron | Live Stats vs. CSU

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara softball team (4-16) begins the week with a four-game road trip to the state of Ohio beginning on Tuesday when it takes on the Akron Zips (11-18-1) followed by playing against the Cleveland State Vikings (8-26) on Wednesday.

Niagara has been off since March 21 when the Purple Eagles dropped a doubleheader to the Youngstown State Penguins by scores of 5-1 and 10-1. The well-rested Purple Eagles will be busy this week, playing five games in a four-day span, including the home-opening doubleheader against Mount St. Mary's on Friday.

The Purple Eagles are led by senior Jennifer Hare, with a .273 batting average, 15 hits and seven RBIs. Junior Becky Zill has been hitting the ball well also for Niagara with 15 hits, three home runs and 11 RBIs.

In the circle, Niagara will look to senior Julie DiMatteo and sophomore Kim Bryson for solid pitching. DiMatteo has a 3.80 earned-run average in 27.2 innings pitched, while Bryson has struck out 72 batters in 57.1 innings pitched.

Akron enters the doubleheader on a 10-game winless streak, including a 5-5 tie against the Penguins. Alissa Birkhimer (.371), Rachael Ratcliffe (.350) and Alex Helfrich (.326) have been playing well for the Zips, combining for 89 hits, eight home runs and 43 RBIs.

The Vikings enter their single-game against Niagara on a seven-game skid, including a three-game series against the Penguins. Dara Toman is having a solid season for Cleveland State, with a .400 batting average, 14 home runs and 33 RBIs in 34 games.

Following this mid-week road trip, Niagara hosts Mount St. Mary's in its home-opening doubleheader on Friday beginning at 1 p.m.