Lawrenceville, NJ — Niagara (9-27, 6-13 MAAC) swept Rider in the first two games of a three-game MAAC series 6-4 in game one and 7-5 in the nightcap on Friday.

Game One

Brianna Delaney got things started for the Purple Eagles with a two run homer in the top of the first inning. Rider answered back in the bottom of the frame scoring on an error to cut the lead to one.

Lindsay Mayo homered in the top of the second to reinstate the two run Niagara lead. After two scoreless innings, the Broncs got back on the board in the bottom of the fifth with an RBI single.

Niagara extended their lead in the sixth with an RBI single from Hailey Cenname to plate Madison Lapenta. Delaney hit her second homer of the contest in the seventh followed by a home run from Selah Moyer in the next at bat. The Broncs tacked on one run in the bottom of the frame but it was not enough as the Purple Eagles were able to hold on.

Aubrey Tamayo got the start in the circle for the Purple and White, throwing 6.1 innings, allowing four runs on nine hits. Sage Jackson came in for the final two innings to earn the save.

Game Two

Rider struck first in the nightcap, plating two runs in the bottom of the first, highlighted by an RBI double. Niagara answered back in the top of the second when Mayo singled to bring home Delaney.

Shayna Myshrall homered to left field in the top of the fourth to take the lead. Rider responded back with an RBI single to knot the game up at three.

Cenname singled in the fifth to give the Purple Eagles the lead back, before Delaney hit a two-RBI single to grow Niagara's lead. Myshrall tacked on an insurance run with a sacrifice fly to plate Delaney to round out the inning.

The Broncs tried to mount a comeback plating two runs in the bottom of the seventh but once again the Purple Eagles were able to hold on.

Jenna Martin got the start in the nightcap, allowing three runs on six hits in 4.0 innings of work. Jackson came in for relief, throwing the final 3.0 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and earning another save. 

Niagara Notes

• Niagara is now 25-21 all-time against Rider.

• Delaney hit two home runs in the same game for the first time in her career in the game one victory.

• Delaney went perfect on the day going 5-for-5 three RBI and three walks.

• Jackson recorded her second and third saves of the season.

• Myshrall tallied her fourth home run of the season.

• Mayo recorded her seventh multi-hit game of the season.

Up Next

The Purple Eagles wrap up a three game MAAC series against Rider on Saturday April 26.