Winston-Salem, N.C. — Coming off a 2024 season that saw them crowned as NEC champions, LIU opened up the 2025 campaign with a 6-3 win over Marist on Friday.
 
In game one of a season-opening doubleheader, the Sharks jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning thanks to a Ryan Rivera three-run home run. LIU would add to its lead following a Noah Sorensen RBI-single in the fifth and Joseph Durso's solo shot in the sixth made it 5-0. Though Marist tacked on a couple runs in the eighth inning, Benjamin Fierenzi scored for LIU in the ninth, adding to his team's lead and ultimately paving the way for what was a three-run victory.
 
Nicholas Finarelli pitched six shutout innings for the Sharks, striking out five. Evan Panjwani picked up his first save of the season.