Taking on one of the top teams in country, the Panthers were able to compete in both ends of a doubleheader, going a full seven innings in both games before falling 13-3 and 16-4. SUNY Niagara, ranked #3 in the nation, is now 20-2 on the season while TC3 drops to 1-11.

Game One: Niagara 13, Tompkins Cortland 3

The Panthers led after one inning, 2-1, thanks to two-run single by Evan Shank. The lead was erased by a run for the Thunderwolves in the second, followed by a four-run third inning. The score stood at 7-3 after five innings, but the Panthers couldn't cut into the deficit in the sixth, and the Niagara put the game away with six runs in the seventh.

Tim Leary went 2-for-2 to pace an eight-hit attack for the Panthers.

Game Two: Niagara 16, Tompkins Cortland 4

The Panthers had an uphill battle in game two after giving up four runs in the top of the first inning, but the Panthers did battle. Each team scored twice in the third and fifth innings, and the Panthers trailed 9-5 heading into the sixth inning. Four runs in the top of the sixth gave Niagara a more comfortable margin before the visitors put it out of reach with three more in the seventh.

Ryan Barbeau went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI while Easton Podbeusek also went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI.

Looking ahead

The Panthers are scheduled for a doubleheader at Onondaga Community College on Thursday.