LAKE CHARLES, LA. – The Niagara softball program opened the 2024 season at the Cowgirl Classic Lake Charles, La., on Friday, Feb. 23. The Purple Eagles went 0-2 on the day, falling to both McNeese and Lamar.  
 
Game 1 Recap: Niagara 0, McNeese 8 (5.0 Innings)
 
The Cowgirls took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second on four hits and two Niagara errors. Mudine singled in the third run of the inning before Samantha Hare threw out the runner trying to advance from first to third on the play for the final out of the frame.
 
Sophia Marrero, Shayna Myshrall and Brianna Delaney would each work a walk to load the bases with one away in the top half of the fourth inning for Niagara. Kaylee Haines would fly out to shallow left and pinch-hitter Jaden Swiatek struck out to leave the bases loaded.
 
In the bottom of the fourth, McNeese scored five runs on five hits to take an 8-0 lead over the Purple and White.
 
Hare would single in the top of the fifth but be left stranded as McNeese earned the five-inning victory over Niagara.
 
Maddie Hickingbottom got the start for Niagara, going 3.2 innings, allowing eight runs, six of which were earned, on 10 hits while striking out three and walking four. Lindsay Mayo collected two of Niagara's four hits.
 
Game 2 Recap: Niagara 1. Lamar 6
 
Lamar jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead over the Purple and White in the bottom of the first inning.
 
In the top of the second, Hare came to the plate with the bases loaded and drove in freshman Saleh Moyer on a single to right field, making it a 3-1 lead heading into the bottom of the inning.
 
Niagara looked to chip into the Lamar lead in the top of the third when Delaney doubled to right with one out, unfortunately for Delaney and the Purple Eagles Moyer would hit into inning-ending double play.
 
The Cardinals would add three to their lead in the bottom of the sixth to take a 6-1 advantage into the seventh.
 
Niagara would record one hit in the final frame as Lamar took home the 6-1 victory over the Purple Eagles.
 
Cara Leone started the game in the circle for the Purple and Whtie, allowing three runs on five hits with one strike out in 4.0 innings of work. Julia Thompson pitched 2.0 innings in relief, striking out two while allowing three runs on four hits.
 
Hare finished the game with two hits, while Delaney, Moyer and Bayleigh McCullough recorded a hit in the contest.
 
Up Next
Niagara will take on North Dakota and McNeese on Saturday, Feb. 24.