STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – The Long Island University softball team (21-19, 14-4 NEC) downed Wagner College (14-23, 9-9 NEC), 6-2, on Saturday afternoon at the Wagner Softball Field, claiming the three game series 2-1 and maintaining the top spot in the Northeast Conference standings. With one weekend remaining in the regular season, the Sharks hold a two-game lead over Fairleigh Dickinson University and Central Connecticut State University (12-6).

LIU jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning when Kaylee Clarkson smacked a two-RBI double scoring Alyssa Polemeni and Jaedyn Lincoln.

Tied 2-2 in the fifth inning, the Sharks broke the game open. Lily Hinkle singled to right field, scoring Sophia Mariottini to give LIU a 3-2 lead. A Dallas Andrews sacrifice fly to left field scored Priscilla Gilles making it 4-2 Sharks. Then Hannah Burnett doubled, scoring Hinkle and Polemeni giving the Sharks a 6-2 lead.

Mariottini (7-7) earned the win in the circle, allowing just two runs on nine hits, no walks, and four strikeouts in 7.0 innings.

Wagner reliever Natalie Rodriguez (3-7) suffered the loss after surrendering four earned runs in the fifth inning.

LIU returns to action on Wednesday at Rutgers University at 3 p.m. The Sharks finish the regular season next weekend at home with a three-game conference series versus CCSU on Saturday and Sunday.