Niagara advanced in the WIAA Division 4 softball tournament with a 7-3 first round win over Lena-St. Thomas Aquinas, taking a 5-1 lead with three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning.

“We had one inning where we made a couple of mistakes that cost us a couple of runs but we were able to overcome the mistakes,” said Niagara coach Joe Champeau.

Paige Guardiola led the way at the plate with three hits and 2 RBIs. Rachael Walker and Mallory Sanicki each had two hits apiece and Shelby Zittlow and Zowie Loukus each had one hit.

“We had to make some adjustments to our starting lineup prior to the game due to an injury with one of our starters,” Champeau said. “I had three girls playing different positions, which they were not accustomed to playing. Bristol Sanicki played the outfield for the first time in her career and caught every ball that was hit to her. Rachael Walker shuffled over to third base and had an outstanding night on the hot corner and Zowie Loukus shifted over to second base and was ready to make plays if they would’ve come her way.”

Elesia Sweig started on the mound in Tuesday’s contest and went four innings, giving up one earned run. Guardiola closed out the game, giving up no earned runs over three innings.