SAN DIEGO, Calif — The LIU softball team traveled to California Thursday night to take on San Diego in its opening game of the San Diego classic.

The Sharks jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning off of singles from Alexia Castro and Jaedyn Lincoln.

The Toreros stormed back in the third, however, scoring five and regaining the lead. The deficit did not faze LIU as Kira Buckner would settle in on the mound in relief, allowing the Sharks to regain the lead on five runs as they scored in the 4th, 5th and 7th innings. LIU would score its runs the old fashioned way with four sac flies and on a wild pitch.

San Diego tried to mount a two-out rally in the seventh, getting within one on a two-run double. The next batter would single, but a heads up play from Alexis Castro gunned the tying run down at the plate and the Sharks won 8-7 in a nail biter.

Castro had a great day at the plate as well, going 3-4 with an RBI.

Gabby Padilla went 2-3 with a walk.

Jaedyn Lincoln recorded her first collegiate hit and RBI.

Nyae' Dick had the best game of her career so far, hitting a double and scoring run while getting the start.  

Kira Buckner grabbed her first win of the season in relief. 

The Sharks return to the field Friday afternoon against Southern Utah at 2:30 p.m. est.