PHOENIX, Arizona – HBU softball scored early, but couldn't hold as Niagara topped off four runs in the bottom of the fifth to seal a 4-1 win over the Huskies in the GCU Purple Classic Friday afternoon at GCU Softball Stadium.

Freshman Sierra Humphrey went 1-for-3 with the lone run for the Huskies (1-4). Junior Brooke Bushman tripled, while junior Demi Janak walked twice and recorded an RBI.

Freshman Jessica Patak (1-2) took the loss allowing four runs on four hits with three strikeouts and three walks in five innings.

Jerri Ann Orfano went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs for the Purple Eagles (3-2), while Maria Gabriele doubled and walked twice.
 
Sierra Bertrand (2-0) earned the win for Niagara allowing one run on four hits with nine strikeouts and four walks in seven innings.
 
Lead-off batter, Sierra Humphrey, reached on a hit-by-pitch, then Brown dropped a bunt and reached on an error by Gabriele. Bertand sent Kassie James walking to first to load the bases, but struck out the next two. With two out and the bases loaded, Demi Janak drew a walk to push Sierra Humphrey across home, 1-0.

Four innings later with two outs and runners on first and second, Watkins singled to right field to put the Eagles on the board. Orfano followed with a three-run homerun to give Niagara a 4-1 lead.

The Huskies play host Grand Canyon at 8:30 tonight and start out playing them again Saturday at 3:30 p.m.