Softball Drops Home Finale against Niagara on Sunday

JERSEY CITY, NJ - The Saint Peter's University softball team returned to Joseph J. Jaroschak Field on Sunday to finish off its series against Niagara. The Purple Eagles ended up sweeping the series, securing wins in both contests on Sunday. The Peacocks led for nearly all of Game 1 before a late rally from the visitors overcame the deficit, as Niagara won 5-4. Niagara then led from start to finish in Game 2, jumping out to an 8-0 lead after the first inning and maintaining the margin for a 15-7 win through six innings.
 
Game 1 Notes:

• Saint Peter's had one of its hottest starts of the year on Sunday, as the team took a 3-0 lead after the second inning following a solo home run from sophomore Brandi Feeney, followed by a 2 RBI single from freshman Maiah Skakal later in the frame.
• Sophomore pitcher Kristen Brennan was locked in from the circle in Game 1, holding the Niagara lineup to just a single hit until the top of the sixth inning.
• The visitors found their first run of the day in the top of the sixth, and would narrow the gap to 3-1.
• Then, in the top of the seventh, the Purple Eagles were able to make it a one-score game after an RBI single from Niagara's Kelsey Harrigan brought the score to 3-2.
• With the go-ahead run on first base, the Purple Eagles were able to send one over the right field fence for a three-run home run, taking a 5-3 lead.
• Junior Olyvia Smith was able to secure the Peacocks another run in the bottom of the seventh, grounding out to second base while bringing in Skakal for the run, but Niagara was able to seal the 5-4 win two batters later.

Game 2 Notes:

• The visitors got off to a strong start once again in the day's second exchange, this time taking an 8-0 lead after the opening frame.
• The Peacocks got back on track quickly though, and would score five runs in the bottom of the second, which was kickstarted by a two-run home run from sophomore Sophie Wilson.
• The visitors were able to post another three runs in the top of the third inning, increasing their lead to 11-5.
• Feeney showed up for the team again in the bottom of the third, turning what should have been a routine single into a run after an error from the Niagara shortstop, bringing the score to 11-6.
• Four more Niagara runs in the top of the sixth inning gave the Purple Eagles their final tally of the game with a 15-6 lead.
• For the second time on Sunday, Smith recorded an RBI in the game's last inning, laying down a perfect bunt down the third base line and reaching first while bringing in Alyssa Adams for the team's final run of the day.

Inside the Numbers:

• Smith finished the day with three hits and three RBI's, two of which came in the final inning of each game.
• Adams finished the day with a pair of runs and two walks in her final doubleheader at Jaroschak Field.
• Brennan was lights-out for the majority of her shift in Game 1, allowing just one run and four hits through more than five innings pitched.
• Wilson led the Peacocks batting order on Sunday, going 4-for-6 at the plate while finishing with one home run and three RBI's through both games.
• Smith and Skakal also finished the day with three RBI's apiece, while Feeney added a pair of her own. 
• Skakal also recorded her first career triple in the bottom of the seventh inning during Game 1. 

Coach's Quotes - Chris Stelma:

• "A really hard-fought double header. These young ladies battled and competed through 12 games in the last 9 days."
• "I'm really happy to have had such a nice send off for this year's only senior, Alyssa Adams. Alyssa has been a special player for us and has helped to transform the program. She is the first player I recruited and commit and I could not be more proud of the woman she has become."

Up Next:

• The Peacocks are back in Poughkeepsie on Tuesday, May 4 to finish out their regular season series against Marist. The twin bill features games beginning at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.