Niagara Purple Eagles softball explained

Niagara Purple Eagles
University:Niagara University
Conference:Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
Conference Short:MAAC
City:Lewiston
Stateabb:NY
State:New York (state)
Coach:Larry Puzan
Tenure:11th
Stadium:Niagara Softball Field
Nickname:Purple Eagles
Ncaa Tourneys:1998
Conference Tournament:1998

The Niagara Purple Eagles softball team represents Niagara University in the NCAA Division I college softball. The team participates in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). The Purple Eagles are currently led by head coach Larry Puzan. The team plays its home games at Niagara Softball Field located on the university's campus.[1]

History

Since joining the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in 1990, Niagara has failed to win a conference regular season title but have managed to finish second three times, doing so in 1996, 1997, and 2008.[2] The Purple Eagles have been largely unsuccessful since establishing a team in 1981. Niagara has posted a winning season only seven times in 41 years, six of those with former coach Al Dirschberger.[3] The most recent winning season came in 2009. They have, however, managed to win a conference tournament title, doing so in 1998. In doing so, Niagara earned a berth in the 1998 NCAA Division I softball tournament.[4]

The Purple Eagles, led by stars Joni Sontrop and Kelly Cruttenden,[5] faced off against Arizona in their first career NCAA tournament appearance, losing 14-0 via mercy rule in five innings.[6] [4] Niagara were eliminated in their second and final game of the tournament, losing 5-1 to Hawaii.[7] [4]

Former head coach Al Dirschberger was convicted of raping a 28 year old woman in 2017 and was sentenced to 5 years in prison. He was released in 2023 and will be under probation for ten years.[8] [9] [10]

Coaching history

1981–1982 Bill Gould 17–19
1983–1987 Beth Corcoran 46–58–2
1988–1989 Beth Bullock 16–39–2
1990 Gerilyn Proto 7–21
1991–2012 Al Dirschberger 345–488
2013 Ellie Chan 16–30
2014–present Larry Puzan 133–290

Roster

2024 Niagara Purple Eagles roster
 Pitchers
  • 16 – Maddie Hickingbottom – Graduate Student
  • 19 – Cara Leone – Graduate Student
  • 52 – Sage Jackson – Junior

Catchers

  • 00 – Jolyn Gibbons – Sophomore
  • 24 – Maggie Kellner – Senior
  • 44 – Sophia Marrero – Sophomore

Outfielders

  • 9 – Samantha Hare – Senior
  • 29 – Madison LaPenta – Junior
  • – Samantha Miller – Graduate Student
  • 22 – Jaden Swiatek – Senior
 Infielders
  • 12 – Hailey Cenname – Sophomore
  • – Brianna Delaney – Freshman
  • – Natasha Limbani – Freshman
  • 99 – Bayleigh McCullough – Junior
  • 20 – Hannah Mingle – Junior
  • – Selah Moyer – Freshman
  • 77 – Shayna Myshrall – Graduate Student
  • 8 – Payton Rano – Sophomore
  • 42 – Julia Thompson – Graduate Student

Utility

  • 7 – Kaylee Haines – Sophomore
  • – Kira Kilonsky – Freshman
  • 5 – Lindsay Mayo – Junior
 
Reference:[11]

Season by season results

Season cut short due to COVID-19 Pandemic As of April 10, 2023.[2] [12] [13]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Niagara Softball Field. PurpleEagles.com. 2012-11-04.
  2. Web site: Softball Records (PDF). Niagara University Athletics.
  3. Web site: Niagara's interim softball coach has turned program around. Jonah. Bronstein. Buffalo News.
  4. Web site: 1998 NCAA Women's College World Series. December 3, 2020. Softball History USA.
  5. Web site: NIAGARA PAIR EARNS MAAC SOFTBALL HONORS. Buffalo News.
  6. Web site: NIAGARA TO FACE ARIZONA IN SOFTBALL. Buffalo News.
  7. Web site: 20th Anniversary Of MAAC Softball Championship To Be Celebrated May 5. Niagara University Athletics.
  8. Web site: Former Erie County Social Services chief sentenced for raping employee. April 12, 2019. wgrz.com.
  9. Web site: Former Erie County Social Services chief released from prison after 4 years. June 10, 2023. wgrz.com.
  10. Web site: Former Division I head coach Dirschberger sentenced to prison. April 22, 2019.
  11. Web site: 2024 Softball Roster. Niagara University Athletics.
  12. Web site: 2023 Softball Schedule. Niagara University Athletics.
  13. Web site: Softball Standings 1986-2022. maacsports.com.