LEWISTON, NY — The Iona University Softball team rallied back to defeat Niagara, 6-3 on Sunday morning to secure the Metro Alantic Athletic Conference weekend series sweep. The Gaels used back-to-back three run innings to defeat the Purple Eagles and cap a five-win week in league play.
 
Senior Hailey Guerrero led the Maroon & Gold with a 3-for-4 morning with a pair of doubles and three runs batted in. Seniors Brooke Acker and Brianna Fischer both registered two hits and a run batted in.

GAME SUMMARY

Niagara struck first in the early morning start with a run in the opening frame. The Purple Eagles then added to their lead in the third inning on a misplay in the outfield by the Gaels.
 
Iona's offense after a big doubleheader yesterday was held to just one hit and stranded three base runners through the first three innings.
 
The Gaels got rolling in the fourth inning as Fischer led off with a single up the middle. Acker followed that up with an RBI double down the left field line. Guerrero then knotted the game up with an RBI double to center field. After a groundout, Guerrero then stole third base and advanced home on an errant throw to give Iona the 3-2 lead.
 
Niagara threatened with runners on first and third and one out in the bottom of the fourth but junior Allison Hoppe escaped trouble with an inning ending double play.
 
Senior Alivia Lichtner kicked off the fifth inning reaching on a Purple Eagles misplay with one out then proceeded to steal second and advanced to third on a passed ball. Sophomore Sara Piña then worked a six-pitch walk. Fischer was next up and lifted a sacrifice fly to center field for the first run of the inning. Acker followed that up with a single through the left side as Piña advanced to third. Guerrero cleared the bases with a two-RBI double to extend the lead to 6-2.
 
The Purple Eagles clawed one run back in the bottom of the sixth on a two-out RBI single to right center. Niagara threatened with runners on second and third but Hoppe was able to get the ground out to end the inning. She then retired the side in order in the seventh to secure the victory.
 
Junior Bella DiGiandomenico pitched the first inning for the Maroon & Gold. Hoppe then came on in relief and pitched the final six innings, scattering seven hits and one earned run and striking out two batters.

UP NEXT

The Gaels continue the road swing with a midweek trip to Army West Point on Wednesday, April 15 for a 3 p.m. doubleheader.