FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University softball team will return to Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play this weekend with the Stags hosting Niagara University for a three-game series. The set starts with a doubleheader on Friday beginning at 2 pm with the remainder of the schedule dependent on weather forecasts. Please check
www.fairfieldstags.com for schedule updates as the weekend progresses.
The Stags bring an 8-2 conference record into the weekend, seeing their eight-game MAAC winning streak come to an end last Thursday after being swept by Marist University in weather-shortened two-game series. Fairfield took a respite from the league schedule earlier this week, edging Yale University by a 2-1 count at Alumni Softball Field.
Anna Paravati added to her team-leading RBI total with an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth inning that plated the deciding run, raising her total to 22, which also places in a tie for ninth among MAAC RBI leaders. Freshman
Ava Armuth moved into a tie among her teammates when she registered her third home run of the season, scoring the team's first run against Yale. Armuth is also second on the Stags roster with 15 runs scored and 10 stolen bases.
Peyton Shields and
Alyssa Weinberg combined for a gem against the Bulldogs with Shields allowing just one run in four innings and Weinberg closing things out over the final three frames. Weinberg earned her 11
th win of the season which ties for second in the MAAC while her 125 strikeouts leads all conference pitchers.
Niagara University is in the midst of a daunting week that sent the Purple Eagles to Iona University of a doubleheader, to Fairfield University for a three-game series, and to Siena College for a twin bill all in a seven-day stretch.
Despite the lengthy road trip, Niagara has received some impressive offensive numbers from its roster. Four Purple Eagles have 10 or more RBI to date, led by Shayna Myshrall, Brianna Delaney, and Sophia Marrero. The trio have 11 RBI each while teammate Lindsay Mayo rounds out the double-digit foursome with 10 RBI.
Sage Jackson is responsible for all three Niagara wins from the pitching circle, fanning a team-best 32 hitters in 64-plus innings of work. Aubrey Tamayo is next in line with her 14 strikeouts over 45.2 innings pitched to date.
Following the Niagara series, the Stags will close out a six-game home stand with a doubleheader against Sacred Heart University on Tuesday, April 15. The first pitch for the twin bill is slated for 4 pm.
