AKRON, OH. – After earning two conference wins last weekend at Niagara Softball Field, the Purple Eagles softball team traveled to Akron for a two-game set with the Zips. Niagara fell short in both contests, as Akron came out on top by scores of 2-0 and 8-0 Tuesday afternoon at Lee Jackson Field.
 
Jennifer Szilagyi led the Purple Eagles with a 2-for-5 effort in the afternoon doubleheader, while Chanelle Ward, Bridget Hogan, Sarah March, and Taylor Moody each picked up hits as well.
 
Akron 2, Niagara 0
 
Sydney Smyers pitched a strong start in the first game against Akron, giving up just two runs (one earned) on five hits and racking up five strikeouts with no walks. However, Niagara only got two hits off Akron pitcher Erin Seiler, falling by a score of 2-0.
 
The Zips scored off of a Niagara fielding error in the bottom of the first, but Niagara had a chance to tie the game in the second after Jerri Ann Orfano walked and Moody singled to right field. With one out and runners on first and second, Niagara was unable to bring either runner home.
 
After Akron scored in the bottom of the third to extend their lead to 2-0, the remainder of the game was a pitcher's duel, as Niagara and Akron combined for just one hit in the final three innings of play. Smyers picked up three of her five strikeouts in the game's final three innings, but the Purple Eagles' offense was held in check.
 
Akron 8, Niagara 0
 
The Zips began the second game with three first-inning runs off of Niagara pitcher Sierra Bertrand. Three runs scored on three hits and a walk before the freshman struck out two consecutive batters to escape the inning with two more runners left on base.
 
Szilagyi hit 2-for-2 from the plate in the afternoon's final game, while also relieving Bertrand in the circle, giving up five runs to Akron in 3.1 innings of work. In the top of the fifth inning, Niagara had a chance to get on the board down 4-0 as Szilagyi singled and advanced to second on a throwing error before March walked with two outs on the board, but Akron escaped the inning with the shutout intact.
 
The Zips picked up two runs in each of the fifth and sixth innings, ending the game after six full innings at an 8-0 final score. Niagara only has two more non-conference games after completing Tuesday's set at Akron.
 
Niagara returns to MAAC play on the road this weekend, traveling to Manhattan for a 12 p.m. doubleheader with the Jaspers on Saturday, April 23 before wrapping up the weekend Sunday, April 24 with a 12 p.m. doubleheader at Saint Peter's.
 
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