CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Niagara softball team opened its seven-game Florida road trip with a close 2-1 victory over the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, extending the team’s winning streak to four games. Pitcher Sierra Bertrand moved to 2-0 in the circle, allowing just one run and three hits in 5.2 innings while racking up seven strikeouts. The Purple Eagles (4-2, 0-0 MAAC) had their winning streak snapped in a 4-1 loss to the Western Michigan Broncos to close the day on Monday.
Niagara 2, South Dakota State 1
After neither team registered a hit in the first inning, Niagara had the bases loaded in the top of the second with two outs after Jerri Ann Orfano and Rachel Funk hit singles and Kendall Watkins walked. The Jackrabbits escaped the inning without giving up a run as Sarah Trifoso grounded out to second base. Sierra Bertrand and the Niagara defense did not allow a runner on base to South Dakota State in the next two innings, and the Purple Eagles took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth, as pinch runner Bailey Stayner advanced home on a bases-loaded passed ball. With runners on first and third in the top of the fifth, Niagara doubled its lead. Bridget Hogan reached on a fielder’s choice to second base and Alexandra Moore scored from third. Jennifer Szilagyi picked up the save for the Purple Eagles as Niagara’s defense gave up one run to the Jackrabbits but held on for the 2-1 win.
Western Michigan 4, Niagara 1
In the second matchup of the day, Niagara fell behind 2-0 to Western Michigan after a scoreless first inning. The Broncos scored two runs off of five baserunners on a pair of hits, two walks, and one batter hit by a pitch. Niagara was held off the board until the top of the fifth inning, when the Purple Eagles were able to cut the deficit to 3-1. Niagara loaded the bases as Kendall Watkins walked, Maria Gabriele singled to left field, and Taylor Moody reached on an error. Watkins was the only runner to score as Western Michigan got the next two Niagara batters out. Emily Johnston closed the game to pitch for Niagara and gave up one run on one hit while striking out two batters. The Purple Eagles were held without a hit the rest of the way, as Western Michigan tacked on one more run with an RBI triple in the sixth inning for the 4-1 win.
Niagara continues its seven-game road trip on Wednesday, March 8 against the Providence Friars.
After that, the Purple Eagles will play doubleheaders against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies on Thursday and Bucknell on Sunday.
