HONOLULU – Emily Johnston pitched 2.0 innings of shutout ball to secure the Niagara softball team's first victory of the season against SIUE. Johnston's first save of the year gave her six for her career, setting a new all-time record for Purple Eagles pitchers. In the night cap, Niagara dropped a 12-2 decision to No. 4 Alabama.
 
Niagara 2, SIUE 1

• Both teams went scoreless through the first three innings, with both pitchers allowing just one hit apiece.
• SIUE scratched one across in the fourth, but the sixth inning saw the Purple Eagles come to life in the batter's box. A leadoff walk to Kelsey Harrigan got things going, and she immediately found her way to third when Kendall Watkins swatted an 0-2 double into the gap in right-center. A one-out single into left from Jerri Orfano was enough to bring both runners in and steal the lead away from the Cougars.
• After Niagara went ahead, Emily Johnston entered the game with one runner aboard for SIUE. She proceeded to retire the next three batters, then earned the save by cutting down the Cougars, who got two aboard in the bottom of the seventh.
• Karsen Cotton got the start in the circle, going 4.0 innings in which she allowed two runs on four hits while fanning a pair. Jennifer Szilagyi earned the win with a critical 1.0 innings that bookended Niagara's two-run sixth.
• With the save, Johnston passed Tegan Bennett ('04) and Niagara Athletics Hall of Famer Joni Sontrop ('98) for the most all-time.

 
Alabama 12, Niagara 2 (5 innings)

• After a scoreless first by Alabama, Kelsey Harrigan opened Niagara's half of the inning with a leadoff triple. Four pitches later, Kendall Watkins brought her around on a sac fly and put the Purple Eagles in front, 1-0.
• After the Crimson Tide scored the game's next seven runs, Watkins singled into right field with one away. She took second on a wild pitch, then made it to third when Tara Driver singled up the left side. With Orfano the next batter up, Kendall came home on a 5-4 fielder's choice.
• Sierra Bertrand and Szilagyi split time in the circle. Each pitcher walked three and combined to allow 12 hits.

 
On Deck

• Tomorrow marks the final day of play in Hawai'i before returning home. The Purple Eagles will play a single game at 6 p.m. ET against the host Rainbow Wahine.

 

Stay connected with Niagara Softball on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Follow Niagara Athletics all year long on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and purpleeagles.com.