POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – Appearing in its first postseason game since 2013, the fifth-seeded Niagara softball team fell, 10-7, in the second game of the MAAC Softball Championship. The Purple Eagles – whose seven runs came on just four hits – will now play No. 6 Fairfield in the Elimination Bracket tomorrow at 9 a.m.
 
Iona 10, Niagara 7

• The Gaels jumped out to a 4-0 lead entering the fourth inning. In the top of the frame, both Maggie Vesneske and Maria Gabriele walked to open things up. After a fielder's choice replaced Vesneske with Jerri Ann Orfano, Kendall Watkins emptied the bases with a three-run homer to pull the Purple Eagles to within one run.
• After Iona went up 5-3, Niagara took its first lead of the game in the top of the sixth. Hitting in the leadoff position yet again, Vesneske reached thanks to an error by the shortstop. Gabriele scored her with a double into left before Watkins walked to put runners on first and second. Heather Haberman then stepped into the batter's box before belting a three-run homer of her own to make it 7-5 Purple Eagles.
• Gabriele, Watkins, Haberman, and Jenna Patterson each accounted for Niagara's four hits. The Purple Eagles were also walked four times during the contest.
• Sierra Bertrand got the start and went 5.0 innings before being relieved. In her appearance, the struck out two while allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits and two walks.

 
On Deck

• Niagara drops into the Elimination Bracket and will look to keep the season alive when they take on the Fairfield Stags at 9 a.m.

 

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