PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Kaylee Clarkson and Jaedyn Lincoln's back-to-back home runs sparked a four-run third inning and the Long Island University softball team (22-19, 14-4 NEC) downed Rutgers University (17-31, 1-14 Big Ten), 9-2, on Wednesday afternoon at the Rutgers Softball Complex. In the season's final non-conference matchup, the Sharks picked up their sixth win in their last seven games.

LIU took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning when a Hannah Burnett sacrifice fly to left field scored Lily Hinkle and a Lincoln single to center scored Dallas Andrews.

The Sharks extended their lead to 4-1 in the second, scoring a pair of unearned runs, the latter driven home on a triple to right field by Alyssa Polemeni.
In the third inning, LIU broke the game open. Back-to-back solo home runs by Clarkson and Lincoln opened the frame as the Sharks scored four runs on four hits to seize an 8-1 lead.

Lincoln finished the game 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored. Hinkle (3-for-4, RBI, BB, 3 R) and Polemeni (2-for-3, 3 RBI, 2 BB), also recorded multi-hit games.

Sarah Wall (5-6) earned the win in the circle, pitching four innings and allowing just two runs on four hits with three walks and four strikeouts. Gigi Clavel and Alyssa O'Donnell combined for three scoreless innings of relief.

LIU returns to action this weekend at home versus Central Connecticut State University in the final three-game conference series of the season. First pitch of Saturday's doubleheader is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday's regular-season finale is scheduled for 12 p.m. as the Sharks plan to honor their four-member senior class with pre and postgame Senior Day ceremonies.