HONOLULU – The Niagara University softball team closed play at the Spring Fling Tournament against Utah on Sunday. The Purple Eagles fell behind early but fought back late before falling, 7-2.
 
Utah 7, Niagara 2

• Two walks and a hit by pitch loaded the bases for Niagara in the bottom of the first, but the Utes managed to get their third out before Kelsey Harrigan could make it in.
• Down seven entering the fourth, Maggie Vesneske knocked home Heather Haberman from second. Haberman made it on via fielder's choice and was moved into scoring position by Jennifer Timm.
• The Purple Eagles churned through the line in the fifth In an effort to climb back into the contest. Kelsey Harrigan and Maddie Rastello led off with walks and were joined by Jerri Orfano, who was also dealt a walk with one out. With the bases full, Tara Driver hit an RBI groundout that plated Harrigan.
• Orfano and Vesneske accounted for both of Niagara's hits, each going 1-for-3. Driver earned two walks, with Harrigan, Rastello, Kendall Watkins, Orfano, and Stayner all earning one apiece.
• Jennifer Szilagyi opened the game in the circle for the Purple Eagles, hurling 2.2 innings of six-run, seven-hit ball while walking five and striking out one. In relief, Emily Johnston threw 4.1 innings, allowing one run on two hits with three strikeouts.

 
On Deck

• The Purple Eagles will have some days to unwind in the sun before returning to the diamond for two games when they open Hawai'i's Rainbow Wahine Classic on March 13.

 

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