The softball team dropped a pair of non-conference games to the Niagara Purple Eagles at Nan Harvey Field on Wednesday afternoon.
The losses, by scores of 10-7 and 5-1, brought the Bulls' records to 5-29 overall, with a 2-10 mark in the Mid-American Conference. Niagara, on the other hand, boosted themselves to 21-19 overall and 7-3 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Niagara jumped to an early lead in game one when Purple Eagle Felicia Coffey drew a leadoff walk, which was followed by freshman Kristin Soto's home run over the left-field fence. Niagara extended its first inning lead to 3-0 when Heather Lohrman poked a single to center, bringing freshman Teresa Healy across the plate.
Niagara led, 7-0, before Buffalo finally reached the scoreboard in the bottom of the third inning, when a single by freshman left fielder Lindsey Hampton scored freshman shortstop Alexandra Bejarano from third.
The Bulls fought their way back into the game, scoring five runs in the fourth inning to cut the Niagara lead to 7-6. The output was highlighted by another RBI single delivered from Hampton's bat. Freshman utility player Kelly Cummings, senior outfielder Mary Russell, Bejarano and sophomore first baseman Sharon Barr also pitched in RBIs in the inning.
Buffalo's momentum was short-lived, however, as Niagara plated three more runs in the sixth, to build its lead back up, 10-6.
From there, the Bulls' comeback effort was limited to a solo home run from Barr in the bottom of the seventh, finishing the game at a score of 10-7.
Freshman Stephanie Visperas took the loss for the Bulls after surrendering five runs in one-and-a-third in the circle.
Game two started no better than the first game, as the Bulls' early-inning woes continued. Again, Niagara sprung out to an early lead in the first inning when Sito scored on a single from Healy, who would then score on a single by Maggie McDonald.
A pair of doubles from Berjano and Hampton brought the Bulls back into the game in the third, scoring one and cutting Niagara's 2-0 lead in half.
Unfortunately, one run would be the closest the Bulls would come to pulling even. Niagara answered Buffalo's threat with runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings, earning them a 5-1 win over Bulls' pitcher Barr, who threw the second game.
The Bulls look to bounce back from the losses when they take on Kent State (32-10, 14-2 MAC) this weekend. The Bulls continue their home stand at Nan Harvey Field, with games against the Golden Flashes on Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
