YOUNGSTOWN, OH. - The Purple Eagles softball team dropped the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader at Youngstown State by a final score of 3-1. Niagara outhit the Penguins 8-7 in the game and had a shot to narrow the two-run deficit with the bases loaded in the top of the seventh inning, but failed to cash in.
 
Sarah March got on base in all four of her at-bats in the game, hitting 3-for-3 and advancing to first after being hit by a pitch. Maria Gabriele picked up an RBI double to score Niagara's lone run of the game, while Jessica Chandler, Brianna Clark, Bridget Hogan, and Jennifer Szilagyi rounded out the Niagara hitting with one hit apiece.
 
Sydney Smyers pitched the complete game in the circle, striking out three batters in six innings while giving up three runs (two earned) on seven hits.
 
After giving up runs to the Penguins in the first and third innings, Niagara (2-19, 0-2 MAAC) halved the Youngstown State lead in the fourth inning. With two runners on base, Gabriele slammed a double down the left field line, scoring Szilagyi to make it a 2-1 game.
 
The Penguins' Maria Lacatena hit a solo home run in the sixth inning to push the lead to 3-1 before Niagara came up to bat in the top of the seventh. March got on base after being hit by a pitch, Chanelle Ward reached first on a fielding error, and Szilagyi walked to load the bases. With two outs and the bases loaded, Youngstown State's Paige Geanangel struck out Chandler to secure the win for the Penguins.
 
In the second game of the doubleheader, Niagara trailed Youngstown State 5-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning, but the game was suspended at that point due to rain. The Purple Eagles conclude the week with a three-game road series at Nevada April 8 and 9 before their home opener Thursday, April 14 against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies.
 
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