LORETTO, Pa. — Following a lengthy weather delay, the Long Island University softball team (17-30, 16-3 NEC) poured on the runs against Saint Francis University on Saturday, defeating the Red Flash 13-4. 

The Sharks claimed a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning of Saturday's contest, as an RBI double by junior Jen Rodriguez and a two-RBI single by senior Gigi Clavel put LIU ahead. In the top of the second inning, junior Jaedyn Lincoln was walked with the bases loaded to give LIU a 4-0 lead. 

Saint Francis answered in the bottom of the second inning with an RBI off a fielder's choice, though junior Lily Hinkle continued to extend the LIU lead with a two-run home run to right center field in the top of the third inning, sending home junior Kaylee Clarkson. 

After the Red Flash scored an additional run in the bottom of the third, the Sharks erupted in the top of the fifth inning; freshman Anais Soto reached home off a throwing error after Hinkle grounded into a fielder's choice, and sophomore Ava Fairbanks scored off a wild pitch soon after. 

Rodriguez then delivered a two-run homer to left field, and two at-bats later, sophomore Samantha Gallegos third home run of the season, a two-run shot to left field, put LIU ahead 12-2. An RBI triple by Soto ended the scoring run, giving LIU a 13-2 lead. 

Fairbanks sealed the eventual 13-4 win with a strikeout in the bottom of the fifth inning. 

Hinkle and Rodriguez tied for a team-high two hits apiece, while the latter led the Sharks with three RBI. Fairbanks earned her eighth win of the season in the circle, surrendering six hits, three earned runs, and three walks, striking out seven batters. This was the second complete game of the season for Fairbanks. 

LIU returns to action on Sunday, April 26, at 12 p.m. to face Saint Francis in a doubleheader.