NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Purple Eagles softball team celebrated Senior Day with a big win over the Rider Broncs on Saturday afternoon. Niagara hit three home runs and senior Sydney Smyers picked up the win in the circle as the Purple Eagles won 10-2 in game one, but Rider leveled the series with a 5-4 win in game two, ending the day in a split.
 
Before the game, Niagara's three graduating players were honored, as Smyers was joined by catchers Victoria Bretz and Kristen Prusiecki. Bridget Hogan hit 3-for-6 with two home runs and five RBI's to lead the Purple Eagles (9-31, 7-7 MAAC). Sarah March hit her fifth home run of the season, and Chanelle Ward hit 4-for-6 on the day as well.
 
Niagara 10, Rider 2
 
To open the day, the Purple Eagles used a seven-run third inning to pull ahead for a 10-2 victory over Rider in five innings. Sydney Smyers started in the circle for Senior Day, giving up just one earned run on six hits.
 
After March and Ward kicked off the afternoon with singles, Hogan came up to the plate and ripped a three-run home run to open up a 3-0 lead after one inning. Rider left two runners on base in the top of the second and went down in order at the top of the third, setting the stage for a monster inning from the Purple Eagles.
 
Ward led off the third inning with a single before Hogan sent her second hit of the day over the wall, a two-run homer to left center. Niagara then advanced runners to second and third before Taylor Moody brought both home with a double down the left field line. With two outs, Sarah Trifoso kept the inning going with an RBI double to left field. March came up to bat as Niagara returned to the top of the order, and she sent a two-run homer over the center field wall, ending the third inning with a 10-1 lead.
 
Rider scored one run in the fourth inning, but Niagara got the first three Broncs out in the top of the fifth, ending the game at 10-2 after five innings. Smyers earned her third win of the season, and she is now 3-1 with a 2.96 ERA and 16 strikeouts in six appearances over the last two weeks.
 
Rider 5, Niagara 4
 
After giving Rider an early lead, the Purple Eagles surged back to take a 4-3 lead in the second game of the doubleheader. Unfortunately, a pair of Rider walks with the bases loaded ended the game in a 5-4 loss for Niagara. Sierra Bertrand struck out six batters in the circle, but also walked five, giving up three hits in the loss.
 
Rider took a 3-0 lead in the top of the second, but Niagara wasted little time getting back in front. Maria Gabriele picked up an RBI single to in the bottom of the second before a three-run third inning gave Niagara the lead. A hit from Jerri Ann Orfano to right field was mishandled, allowing Hogan and Ward to score to tie the game. Niagara then took the lead as it was Gabriele picked up her second RBI single of the day, scoring Orfano.
 
In the fourth inning, Rider loaded the bases with Dana Sensi coming up to bat. Bertrand walked Sensi, scoring the tying run. In the top of the sixth, the bases were again loaded for Sensi, and again she walked to bring home the winning run. Both teams had chances at the win in the second game, as Niagara left nine runners on base while Rider stranded ten.
 
The Purple Eagles are right back in action on Sunday, as the Monmouth Hawks conclude their weekend road trip at Niagara. Sunday's doubleheader at Niagara Softball Field is currently set for an 11 a.m. start.
 
Stay connected with the Purple Eagles through social media. Follow Niagara Athletics on Twitter @NUPurpleEagles and for softball updates, follow @NiagaraSoftball. Check in with the Purple Eagles on Facebook.com/PurpleEagles and on Instagram @NUPurpleEagles.