NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara University softball team fell in both sides of its home-opening doubleheader against Youngstown State. The Purple Eagles dropped game one, 8-3, before a 6-5 game two loss that was ended early due to darkness.
Youngstown State 8, Niagara 3
- After the Penguins posted at least one run in each of their first four at-bats, Niagara responded with a quick but productive bottom half of the fourth. Rachel Funk led off the frame with a single into center field and was followed aboard by Jerri Ann Orfano. With two on and nobody out, Heather Haberman stepped up and drove a ball well over the left field fence to clear the bases.
- Five Niagara batters each accounted for one hit, with Kelsey Harrigan and Orfano getting on base twice with a walk and a hit each.
- Jennifer Szilagyi threw 3.2 innings in relief, giving up just one hit and one walk while striking out eight of 13 batters faced.
Youngstown State 6, Niagara 5 (six innings)
- Trailing 1-0 as the game shifted into the bottom of the fourth, the Purple Eagles churned through seven batters in the inning to overtake the Penguins. Haberman walked while Orfano, Maria Gabriele, and Tara Driver each claimed a hit to put Niagara ahead 3-1 at the end of the inning.
- After Youngstown State pulled within one in the top of the fifth, the Purple Eagles expanded their lead once more on a pair of RBI by Haberman and Gabriele.
- Kelsey Harrigan, Haberman, Orfano, Bella Garone, and Gabriele each accounted for a run scored, while Gabriele led the way at the plate by going 2-for-3.
- Szilagyi got the start for the Purple Eagles after closing out game one. In 4.0 innings, she gave up just two runs on two hits and two walks while fanning six batters.
On Deck
- The team will have a split weekend against a pair of MAAC opponents this weekend. Siena will pay a visit to Monteagle Ridge on April 6 before the Battle of the Bridge takes place in Buffalo on April 7. First pitch on Saturday will take place at 12 p.m., while the doubleheader at Canisius will also start at noon.
