FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University softball team split a doubleheader with Niagara University, winning the opener by a 15-0 score in five innings before falling to the Purple Eagles in game two by a 5-3 count. The two teams will meet for the third game of the series on Sunday, April 13 at noon.

The first game was never in question as Fairfield opened the contest with six runs in the bottom of the first inning. The Stags took a 2-0 lead just two batters into the game after Charli Warren reached first off a walk and Delaney Whieldon followed with her fourth home run of the season.

Fairfield was not done and proceeded to tally four more runs, all of which came with two outs. Ava Armuth started the rally with an infield single before stealing second base to put herself in scoring position. Emma Marchese ripped a line drive down the left field line for a two-base hit, bringing home Armuth. Back-to-back walks loaded the bases, setting up Morgan Sylvestre's RBI single and Warren's two run double, closing the six-run frame.

The Stags tacked on five more runs in the bottom of the third, the first two crossing the plate after Whieldon's base hit up the middle. Faith Camilleri, Armuth, and Marchese were responsible for the next three RBI, all drawing a bases-loaded walk to bring the score to 11-0.

The home team closed the scoring with four more runs crossing the plate. Cara Kochakian picked up an RBI in the rally while Warren scored off a wild pitch.

Alyssa Weinberg tossed five shutout innings to earn her 12^th win of the season, fanning four hitters and allowing just one hit in the game.

In the nightcap, Niagara broke out on top with a single run in the first inning courtesy of an RBI ground out to the right side, sending home Hailey Cenamme. Fairfield would take its only lead of the game in the second inning. Armuth registered a leadoff double which Marchese followed with a single. Christina Minor's bunt pushed Marchese to second base, putting a pair of runners in scoring position. Danica Silvestri brought home both runners with a triple down the right field line, making the score 2-1.

Niagara took the lead in the fifth inning by putting the first three batters on base with two singles and a hit batter. Selah Moyer answered with a base hit up the middle while Jolyn Gibbons added a sacrifice fly to give the lead back to the Purple Eagles.

The visitors gained a three-run advantage in the seventh inning by piecing together a leadoff home run, a triple, and a double to bring the score to 5-2. Fairfield rallied for a run when Anna Paravati stroked an RBI single to bring it to a two-run game. With the bases loaded, Niagara went to the bullpen with two outs and saw Sage Jackson gain a strikeout to end the game.