Box Score 1 | Box Score 2
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Niagara softball team (0-2) dropped its first two games of 2013 on day one of the Frost Classic Tournament Inspired by Memorial, including a 7-4 loss to Tennessee Tech. and a 14-5 loss to Ohio.

“We came out strong and battled hard the first half of each game” said head coach Ellie Chan, in her debut at the helm of the Niagara program. “Both games slipped away towards the end, but it was just good to get outside and see what we need to work on from here. There were many positives that came out of today, regardless of the score. We are excited to get back out on the field tomorrow.”

Tennessee Tech 7, Niagara 4

Senior Becky Zill launched a three-run homer to give the Purple Eagles a four-run lead in the third inning, but it was not enough as Tennessee Tech. (6-4) took the first game of the Frost Classic, 7-4.

After holding the lead into the fourth, Tennessee Tech’s Chelsea Burgess brought in three runs on a double to center field, cutting the deficit to 4-3. Just two batters later, with the tying run on third, Cortney Fry doubled, driving in the tying run, 4-4.

Both teams were held scoreless in the fifth, until the Golden Eagles stole the lead after a wild pitch Tennessee Tech. added two more runs before the end of the inning, extending its lead 7-4. 

Niagara had a chance to take the lead in dramatic fashion, but fell just short of the rally. Two quick hits by the Purple Eagles forced a Tennessee Tech. pitching change. After loading the bases with no outs, the  Golden Eagles retired the next three batters, winning its first game of the tournament.

Senior Jennifer Sansano (0-1) pitched a complete game while registering the loss in her Niagara debut. Sansano allowed seven runs and struck out three batters in six innings.


Ohio 14, Niagara 5

An early lead gave Niagara hope, but a strong offensive finish propelled Ohio (9-2) past the Purple Eagles, 14-5.

For the second time on the first day of Frost Classic Tournament play, a strong third inning gave Niagara the edge heading into the fourth. Senior Gabrielle Lustrinelli drove in two runs on a two-out single to right field to take the lead, 3-1.

The Purple Eagles would extend the lead to 4-2 in the top of the fourth inning, but it was a four run performance in the bottom of the fourth when Ohio would take its second lead of the game. Niagara would cut the deficit to 6-5 by the top of the sixth, but the Bobcats added eight more runs in the final two innings to secure the victory.

Three Purple Eagles registered two hits, including Lustrinelli, who went 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Freshman Sydney Smyers (0-1) allowed 12 runs in 5 innings, striking out five batters in the loss.

The Purple Eagles return to action tomorrow afternoon in day two of the Frost Classic with games against North Carolina Central at 1:15 p.m. and Lipscomb at 3:30 p.m.