HONOLULU – The Niagara University softball team fell, 9-3, to fourth-ranked Alabama on day two of the Rainbow Wahine Classic on the campus of the University of Hawai'i.
 
Niagara 3, Alabama 9

• After surrendering seven runs to Alabama in the bottom of the second, the Purple Eagles fought back with the bats in the top of the third. Morgan Genovese pinch-hit with one out and got aboard by way of a bunt. With two outs, Genovese then took second on a wild pitch to Kendall Watkins, who wound up walking. Tara Driver then doubled to bring both runners home and make it a 7-2 contest. Another wild pitch to Jerri Orfano allowed Driver to head to third before Orfano singled her home.
• In the top of the fourth, Maggie Vesneske drew a one-out walk and wound up on third thanks to a Jennifer Timm single and a wild pitch, but made it no further before the inning came to a close.
• Overall, Niagara collected five hits and four walks at the plate.
• Karsen Cotton earned the start, going 1.0 innings plus two walks into the second. Cotton gave up three runs on two hits and fanned one.
• In relief, Jenna Patterson spun 1.2 innings while Emily Johnston threw 3.1 to close it out.

 
On Deck

• The Purple Eagles hit the field for a pair of matchups starting at 7 p.m. ET. They'll open the day against SIUE, then retake the diamond immediately afterward for a rematch with the Crimson Tide.

 

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