LORETTO, Pa. — It was early in the game that the runs came in. Saint Francis U. put two runs on the board in the top of the first to start the game and then added another four with the assistance of a three-run home run in the top of the second. In the top of the seventh they added another three to take the Championship game, 9-0.
 
The Red Flash are now the five-time consecutive Northeast Conference champions.
 
Outfielder Katie Hinkle, second base player Camryn Lyman and pitcher Desiree Smith were all honored on the all-tournament team.
 
 
Saint Francis U.'s defensive innings were what sealed the deal for their victory behind Grace Vesco's six strikeouts in the circle. The pitcher went the distance and pitched all seven innings, allowing only two hits and no runs. This was Vesco's second complete game of the tournament. She struck out 17 batters in three games.
 
LIU had scored eight runs in game five against the Mountaineers of Mount St. Mary's to get to the championship game, but couldn't get its offense going against Vesco and the Red Flash.
 
For the Sharks, Angelina Reno's defense at third base was what made the difference, not letting anything slide past her. The senior had seven assists in the game to help mitigate the damage SFU's offense was trying to do.
 
This was the Sharks' 19th championship game in 23 seasons under head coach Roy Kortmann's leadership.
 
"Thank you very much," Kortmann said to his team after the award ceremony. "I'm very, very, very grateful to be here coaching you."