Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara softball team dropped both games of its 2013 home opener Tuesday afternoon to Big 4 rival Buffalo. The last time Niagara lost both games of a home opening doubleheader was April 5, 2009 when the Purple Eagles were swept by Manhattan, 9-6 and 8-4. With the losses, the Purple and White drop to 3-20 on the season, while the Bulls improve to 10-22.

Buffalo 8, Niagara 0
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Two home runs in the first two innings would push Buffalo past the Purple Eagles, 8-0.

Following an early 6-0 lead, the Bulls would score twice more in the fifth inning to close out the victory.

Seniors Becky Zill, Gabrielle Lustrinelli, and Alexis Wayne and sophomore Katelyn Gruarin would all record a hit in the loss.

Buffalo 1, Niagara 0

Junior Brittany Richberg and senior Becky Zill each went 2-for-3, but after giving up a run in the first inning, Niagara would be held scoreless to drop the second game of the twin-bill, 1-0.

In the bottom of the fifth inning with two outs and a runner on first base, the contest was delayed during Zill’s at-bat due to heavy rain. Play resumed following a 15 minute delay with Niagara facing a 1-0 deficit. With the tying run on first, the inning would end on the next pitch after Zill flied out to left field.

This would end up being the final pitch of the game, as the contest was called off shortly after due to the inclement weather.

Richberg recorded her eighth multi-hit game of the season, the most of any Purple Eagle. Zill has had a hit in six of her last seven games, and is currently on a three game hitting streak.

Junior Jennifer Sansano allowed just one run through five innings while tossing two strikeouts.

Niagara returns to action this weekend to host the Siena Saints on Saturday, April 13 at 12 p.m. as part of Military Appreciation Day to honor active and retired military personnel.