ELON, N.C. – The Niagara softball team scored five straight runs to defeat the Saint Joseph's Hawks, 5-2, on Sunday in its final game at the Phoenix Opening Tournament.

"It was a great team win," said head coach Larry Puzan. "Everyone played well in all facets of the game."

Trailing 2-0 entering the sixth inning, freshman Bridget Hogan's two-run homer to left centerfield tied the game at 2-2. Strong pitching by Jennifer Sansano (1-0), who allowed no hits or runners on base over the next two innings, allowed the Purple Eagles to break open the game in the eighth.

With the bases loaded and one out, Hogan singled to score Ambur Farmer for the go-ahead run. Desarae Maldonado followed with a two-run single to left field to give the Purple Eagles (1-3) a 5-2 lead.

In the bottom of the inning, Sansano retired three straight batters for the complete game victory and finished with five strike outs.

The Purple Eagles will travel to Winter Haven, Fla. to participate in the Rebel Spring Games from March 3-7.