BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The Long Island University softball team (24-22, 16-5 Northeast Conference) fell 2-0 to No. 4 seed Central Connecticut State University (20-28, 13-8 NEC) in a pitcher's duel in the opening round of the NEC Softball Championship on Thursday afternoon. 

Senior pitcher Alyssa O'Donnell pitched her fourth complete game of the season, holding the Blue Devils to three hits with two walks and four strikeouts, the second-most strikeouts the senior pitcher has posted this season. 

Junior first baseman Devon Medina led the Sharks with two hits, while sophomore second baseman Kaylee Clarkson and graduate student outfielder Dallas Andrews each recorded one hit on Thursday.  

The eventual game-winning run came from CCSU in the top of the third inning, taking a 1-0 lead off a solo home run. The Blue Devils added an additional run with an RBI double in the top of the sixth inning.  

LIU will take on No. 3 seeded Fairleigh Dickinson University in an elimination game Friday at 1 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN+ and NEC Front Row.