Binghamton, N.Y. – Niagara Softball opened their season against Binghamton, as they fell 16-3 in game one, followed by a shutout loss 12-0 at Greenlight Networks Grand Slam Park in Binghamton, N.Y.

The Purple Eagles open the season 0-2, while the Bearcats improved to 3-12. 

Game One

Binghamton got on the board first in the bottom of the first frame, plating three runs, but Niagara didn't wait long to score themselves. Senior Jolyn Gibbons knotted the game at three in the second inning, belting a three-run home run to left field. The blast, which came after Sophia Marrero singled, and Ella Sheehan was hit by a pitch, plated pinch runner Jenna Martin and Sheehan alongside Gibbons.
 
The Bearcats took control of the game in the bottom of the frame plating eight runs, highlighted by a two-RBI single from Rebecca Minnichbach.

Carmella Phelan added a triple in the third inning, one of three Niagara hits on the afternoon, but the Purple Eagles were unable to bring her home. Sophia Marrero also contributed a single for Niagara's offense.

After a scorless third, Binghamton added five more runs the bottom of the fourth, led by a three-run homer from Elisa Allen to enact the mercy rule.
 
Gianna Graber was tagged for 11 runs with seven earned on nine hits in 2.1 innings of work, striking out one. Reliever Ryan Hatty allowed five runs on five hits over 1.2 innings, also striking out one.
 
Game Two
The Purple Eagles managed just two hits on the day and were unable to manufacture a run against Binghamton starter Taylor Cawley, who went the distance and did not allow an earned run, striking out four and walking just one.

Niagara's offense got off to a promising start in the top of the first when Carmella Phelan singled to right field and promptly stole second base. The threat fizzled, however, as Donnalea Barnett struck out and Jolyn Gibbons and Hailey Cenname were retired to strand Phelan. The Bearcats once again struck first, plating four runs in the bottom of the first.

Lauren Payne added another run for Binghamton in the second to psuh the lead to five for the Bearcats. The Purple Eagles' second hit came in the third inning when Sophia Chemotti singled to first base. Chemotti worked her way to third with two outs, but Cenname grounded out to end the inning and leave her stranded.

Binghamton put the game out of reach in the third, scoring six runs, and added a homer in the fourth to enact the run rule.
 
Jenna Martin absorbed the loss, allowing 12 runs with seven earned on seven hits in 3.1 innings, striking out one. Gianna Graber came on in relief and tossed two-thirds of an inning, allowing no hits or runs.
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara goes to 10-12 all-time against Binghamton
• 10 Purple Eagles recorded their first collegiate game
• Phelan led the Purple and White in hits with two
• Gibbons recorded her second career home run
• All three of the Purple Eagles pitchers recorded a combined total of three strikeouts
 
Up Next
Niagara is back in action on Sunday March 8 as they play in state rival Buffalo for a 1 p.m. start time in Buffalo, N.Y.