Purple Eagles Stifled by Chattanooga
 
MADIERA BEACH, Fla. — The Niagara Purple Eagles softball team fell 14-1 to Chattanooga in a five-inning contest Friday afternoon at ROC Park.
 
How it Happened
Niagara (2-3) struggled to generate offense against Chattanooga pitcher Taylor Long, who limited the Purple Eagles to just one hit while striking out 10 batters over five innings of work.
 
Hailey Cenname recorded Niagara's lone hit of the day, while Sophia Marrero scored the team's only run after reaching base on a walk. Madison LaPenta drove in Marrero with an RBI walk in the second inning to briefly cut Chattanooga's lead to 4-1.
 
Starting pitcher Sage Jackson (2-2) took the loss for Niagara, allowing seven runs (five earned) over two innings. Aubrey Tamayo pitched three innings in relief, surrendering seven runs, though only one was earned as Niagara committed four errors in the field.
 
Chattanooga (16-7) jumped out to an early lead with four runs in the first inning and added six more in the third. Presley Williamson delivered the biggest blow for the Mocs with a three-run home run, while Lexi Cooley contributed a double and two RBIs.
 
The Purple Eagles drew four walks but struck out 10 times against Long, who improved to 5-0 on the season.
 
Niagara Notes
• Friday marked the first-ever meeting between Chattanooga and Niagara.
• The Purple Eagles one-hit is the fewest in a game since getting one hit at Hawaii on March 9, 2023.
• Cenname has a hit in three of her four games played this season.
• Jackson's 2.0 innings marks her shortest start of the season.
 
Up Next
Niagara returns to the diamond on Saturday for a pair of games. First against LIU at 11 a.m., followed by a 4 p.m. matchup with Central Michigan.