SOFTBALL

Roster  |  Coaches  |  Schedule / Results  |  News

Bulls Soar Past Purple Eagles

The Purple Eagles got off to a quick start in the top of the first inning, scoring a run on a home run by Jennifer Yee, clearing the right center field fence.

Lauren Picciano

The Bulls took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as the first four Bulls all reached base. Marcy Hansen (Claremont, CA/Claremont) led the game off with a single and advanced to third on a double by Mary Russell (Apalachin, NY/Owego Free Academy). Hansen would tie the game up as she scored on a single by Erin Zilka (Benicia, CA/Benicia). With runners on the corners, Niagara tried to pick off the UB base runners, however a throwing error by the shortstop allowed both runners to cross the plate.

Niagara got closer in the top of the second scoring an unearned run after a throwing error by the UB catcher. Buffalo regained the three-run advantage piecing a run together in the bottom of the second. Senior Lauren Picciano (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott) hit a one-out triple to right center and she was driven in on a bunt single by Hansen.

In the top of the third the Purple Eagles put one on the board, hitting an RBI double to center field. However both pitching staffs and defenses settled in as neither team would cross the plate again. After the top of the third, the two teams combined for no hits, as the last 24 batters in the game were retired in a row.

Margo Schramm

Jennifer Biernacki (Medina, NY/Medina) started the game for the Bulls, pitching two innings and being credited with a no decision. Biernacki gave up two runs in the contest, but just one was earned. Margo Schramm (Phoenix, AZ/Catalina Foothills/Iowa Lakes CC) pitched two innings as well, recording her first collegiate win, while allowing just one run in the contest and striking out two Niagara batters. Sophie Barstad (Canby, OR/Canby) pitched the final three innings of scoreless relief, earning her first career save. Barstad struck out six Purple Eagles, including the side in the seventh inning. In fact, Barstad allowed no hits, while facing the minimum nine batters.

Katie Gleiser picked up the loss for Niagara, going the distance, scattering five hits, while allowing four runs, just two being earned.

The Bulls return to action tomorrow as they travel to Syracuse for a doubleheader with the Orange. First pitch is set for 3:00 pm.