NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – A Jamie Sherburne jumper with 21 seconds left secured a last-minute, 56-55, win for the Niagara women's basketball team over MAAC opponent Fairfield on Monday.

"This was a big step for us," said Niagara head coach Jada Pierce. "I felt the team today bounced back really well after the Siena disappointment. I think they were just mentally strong and tough, and really overcame some fears today and trusted themselves to finish out this game. I couldn't ask for anything more than that. It's huge for this program and just a huge step for us moving forward this season."

Sam Lapszynski led the Purple Eagles in both scoring and rebounding, recording her fourth double-double of the season. She had 20 points and a career-high 13 rebounds. Kaylee Stroemple had 16 points and Sherburne added a career-high 11 points for Niagara. Taylor McKay led the Purple Eagles in assists with six, tying her career-best.

The Stags got off to a quick start in the first quarter and were up 8-4 with less than five minutes to go. The Purple Eagles responded with two free throws from Lapszynski and a 3-pointer from Sherburne to take their first lead of the game, 9-8. However, the Stags ended the first quarter leading 17-13.

The Purple Eagles trailed 23-13 with 8:47 left to play in the first half but baskets from Lapszynski, Stroemple and McKay helped the Purple Eagles come back within view of the lead and at the end of the first half to trail 28-25.

With less than five minutes to play in the third quarter, Niagara trailed Fairfield 35-29. However, with 4:14 left, Lapszynski, who had fallen on the ground during the previous play, was able to steal the ball and passed it to Sherburne for a fast break layup. With two minutes left in the quarter, Tiffany Corselli made a basket to tie the score at 36-36. The Purple Eagles and Stags maintained back and forth scoring for the remainder of the third and at the end of the quarter the score was tied once again, 40-40.

Niagara struck first in the fourth quarter with a basket from Stroemple, putting the team in the lead 42-40. With 8:17 left in the game, Sherburne hit a 3-pointer to keep the Purple Eagles ahead, 45-42. However, the Stags made some big offensive plays and with less than two minutes left to play, they led the Purple Eagles 55-54. The Purple Eagles were undaunted and with 21 seconds remaining, Sherburne scored the final basket to help the Purple Eagles bring home their first conference win of the season.

Niagara plays next at Saint Peter's University on Friday, Jan. 8 in Jersey City, N.J.

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