ELON, N.C. - The Purple Eagles softball team opened its four-game weekend at the Elon Tournament Friday afternoon against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies and the Elon Phoenix. Niagara narrowly lost to Oakland 2-1 before falling 8-0 to Elon.

Oakland 2, Niagara 1

Bridget Hogan went 3-for-3 from the plate for the Purple Eagles (2-7), while Sarah March, Sarah Trifoso, Jennifer Timm, and Jennifer Szilagyi also recorded hits. Sierra Bertrand pitched 6 1/3 innings in the circle, and the freshman struck out nine batters in the game, giving up two runs on six hits and seven walks.

Niagara and Oakland played five scoreless innings to open the game, but the Golden Grizzlies were pushing for the lead as they left 10 runners on base through five innings. Oakland (4-9) broke through with two runs in the top of the sixth, but Niagara came back in the bottom of the inning and cut the deficit to one. Trifoso doubled to right field to get on base. Hogan followed Trifoso in the order and singled to center field, and Trifoso was able to score following a fielding error in center field.

Sydney Smyers completed the game in the circle and gave up one hit against three batters to close out the seventh inning, giving Niagara a chance to tie the game down 2-1 in the bottom of the seventh. Niagara would not be able to get a runner on base, however, as Oakland got a ground out and two strikeouts to close out the game.

Elon 8, Niagara 0

Niagara continued the day against the host Elon Phoenix. Niagara fell behind 6-0 in the first two innings, and Elon would hold on to the early lead for an 8-0 win in six innings.

Jennifer Szilagyi started the game in the circle and gave up six runs (five earned) in 1 1/3 innings. Sydney Smyers gave up one run on five hits in 2 2/3 innings before Sierra Bertrand gave up one run on two hits in the remainder of the game. Niagara failed to pick up a hit in the game, as Elon pitcher Abby Barker pitched a perfect game with three strikeouts.

Niagara returns to the field for its final two games of the Elon Tournament Saturday. The Purple Eagles start the day with a rematch against the Phoenix at 2:30 p.m. before concluding the tournament against Central Connecticut State at 4:45 p.m.

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