NORFOLK, VA -- The University of Delaware softball team fell to Niagara, 3-0, and to Cornell, 6-5, Friday afternoon on the first day of the Spartan Classic hosted by Norfolk State University.

The Blue Hens, who dropped to 2-5 following the pair of defeats, fell behind in the top of the first in the game against Niagara, as the Purple Eagles pushed across a run in the opening frame. Lisa Baker led off the inning with a double, advanced to third on a sacrifice, and scoerd on a sacrifice fly by Felicia Coffey. Niagara, which improved to 1-4 on the year, added two runs in the top of the seventh.

Tiffany McCrory picked up the shutout victory for the Purple Eagles after allowing four hits while stiking out eight and walking two. Blue Hen pitcher Samantha Shawn fell to 1-3 as she gave up three runs, two earned, on nine hits while posting five strikeouts in a complete game effort.

Michelle Plant went 1 for 1 for the Blue Hens, Shanette White and Katie Lee were 1 for 2, and Quinn Megargel was 1 for 3. Nicole Sum went 2 for 3 with a double to pace Niagara, while Coffey was 1 for 3 with a double and three RBI and Baker finished 1 for 2 with a double and run scored.

After Delaware and Cornell (6-0) each scored a run in the second inning of the Blue Hens’ second game of the day, the Big Red scored two runs in the top of the third to take a 3-1 lead. Delaware came back with three runs in the bottom of the inning to go up 4-3, but Cornell answered with three runs in the top of the fifth. The Blue Hens responded with a run in the bottom of the inning but could not push across the tying run.

Cornell starter Haley Mirrer picked up the victory after allowing five earned runs on nine hits and striking out six, while Jen Meunier earned the save after posting a strikeout in the final two-thirds of an inning. Delaware starter Carolynn Sloat fell to 1-2 as she gave up six runs, five earned, on 10 hits while striking out four in seven innings of work.

Kim Ovittore (above) went 2 for 4 with a double and two runs batted in for the Blue Hens, while Mary Ann Magee was 1 for 2 with two RBI and a double. White finished 1 for 2 with a run scored for Delaware.

Elise Menaker led Cornell by going 2 for 4 with a double and two runs scored. Jenna Campagnolo went 1 for 2 with a triple, two runs scored and two RBI, while Izzy Pines was 1 for 2 with two runs batted in and a run scored.

The Blue Hens face Marist at 9 a.m. and Binghamton at 11 a.m. Saturday on the second day of the Spartan Classic. Both of those games will be held at Marlins Field on the campus of Virginia Wesleyan College.

Niagara Boxscore

Cornell Boxscore