POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- The Fairfield University softball team dropped its opener at the 2009 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) tournament, as Niagara University scored twice in the top of the 10th inning to post a 4-2 win.

The top-seeded Stags fell behind immediately when Niagara's Teresa Healy hit a two-out solo home run in the top of the first inning. Fairfield tied the game in the second inning after Alli Wigand hit a solo homer with one out to make the score 1-1.

Niagara regained the lead in the third inning, courtesy of Kristin Sito's solo home run with one out which regained the Purple Eagles' one-run advantage. Once again, Fairfield tied the score in the bottom of the sixth inning. Dani Griswold reached base following an error by the third baseman. Meghan Borst placed a perfect sacrifice bunt that allowed Griswold to reach second base. Kayla Marth kept the rally going when she reached first after being hit by a pitch. Allie Ritacco hit a grounder to shortstop which resulted in a force play at second base. Niagara continued the play and tried for a double play, but the relay throw was errant which allowed Griswold to score the tying run.

The score remained at 2-2 until the top of the 10th inning as Niagara put together a pair of singles that resulted in runners on second and third with two outs. Kristin Kill delivered the winning hit with a flare over the shortstop's head that plated both runners to push Niagara back in front at 4-2.

Fairfield tried to rally in the bottom of the inning by loading the bases with a single, a fielder's choice, and a walk.  But the Stags could not get home a run which sent the team into the loser's bracket. Fairfield will play Friday at 1 pm against second-seeded Manhattan College. Third-seeded Canisius College and fourth-seeded Niagara will play in the winner's bracket game at 11 am. The tournament is being played on the campus of Marist College.