POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — The Iona University softball team had its 2024 campaign end on Thursday afternoon in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference elimination bracket, falling to two-seed Niagara, 12-3 at Gartland Field.
 
Senior Kaylin Flukey led the Maroon & Gold with two hits. Junior Brianna Bailey launched her second home run of the season, a three-run shot in the top of the seventh inning. 

GAME SUMMARY

Niagara, the designated home team used two-out hitting to score in the opening inning with a two-out single to left center for the early lead.
 
The Purple Eagles capitalized on an Iona error in the second inning to get two runners on with one out. After a foul out to first, A three-run home run followed for the 4-0 advantage.Niagara extended its lead in the fourth inning with another three-run home run.
 
Iona was held without a hit till the top of the fifth inning as sophomore Brooke Acker led off the inning with a double to right field. After a fielder's choice tag by the shortstop, Flukey lined a single to left field. The Purple Eagles got a strikeout and another fielder's choice to end the frame.
 
Two-out hitting came through for the Purple Eagles in the sixth inning, scoring five runs on four hits with two outs to cap the team's scoring.
 
Down to the final out in the top of the seventh, sophomore Hailey Guerrero lined a single to center field. Flukey followed that up with a single through the left side. Bailey stepped to the plate and launched a three-run home run over the left field wall to get Iona on the scoreboard. After a single by freshman Madison Campeau followed for the Gaels. Niagara secured the last out on a ground out to second base to take the 12-3 ball game and end Iona's run in the 2024 MAAC Championship.
 
The Gaels conclude the 2024 season with an 18-29 overall record and a 14-10 mark in league play.