LORETTO, Pa. — The Long Island University softball team (19-30, 18-3 NEC) completed its regular season series sweep of Saint Francis University on Sunday, defeating the Red Flash by scores of 11-8 and 12-2.
A two-RBI double by junior Jen Rodriguez gave LIU its first runs of the day in the top of the first inning of Sunday's first game, while an RBI single by senior Gigi Clavel later in the inning extended LIU's lead to 3-0 after the first inning. Rodriguez tacked on her third RBI of the day with a sacrifice fly in the top of the second inning.
LIU opened the flood gates in the top of the third inning, beginning with a three-run home run by freshman Anais Soto to give LIU a 7-0 lead. After sophomore Ava Fairbanks scored on a passed ball, a two-RBI single by senior Devon Medina extended the Shark lead to 10-0.
The Red Flash did not go down without a fight, scratching across four runs in the bottom of the third inning. An RBI single by junior Jaedyn Lincoln in the top of the fifth inning gave LIU some additional breathing room, as Saint Francis scored four more runs over the final three innings to give the game its 11-8 final score.
Junior Lily Hinkle, Medina, Rodriguez, and Lincoln tied for a team-high two hits in the win, while Rodroguez and Soto each tallied three RBI. Senior Sarah Wall earned her sixth win in the circle this season, surrendering five hits, four earned runs, and two walks while striking out two Red Flash batters.
LIU opened Sunday's nightcap on a high note, scoring eight runs in the top of the first inning; Rodriguez once again opened the scoring, sending home Hinkle on an RBI single. Sophomore Samantha Gallegos extended the lead to 2-0 with an RBI double down the right field line, while Soto was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded for an additional Shark run.
In the next at-bat, Fairbanks hit her first career home run in style, delivering a grand slam to center field to give the Sharks a 7-0 lead. An RBI double by Hinkle gave LIU its eighth run of the inning two at-bats later.
Junior Kaylee Clarkson hit LIU's second grand slam of the day in the top of the second inning, sending home Fairbanks, Gallegos, and Lincoln to give the Sharks a 12-0 lead in the game. Saint Francis tacked on runs in the bottom of the third and fifth innings, sending the game to its eventual 12-2 final score in five innings.
Fairbanks led LIU with three hits, tying with Clarkson for a team-high four RBI in the win. The sophomore from East Greenwich, Rhode Island also earned her eighth win of the season in the circle, pitching all five innings for her third complete game of the year. Fairbanks surrendered four hits, one earned run, and two walks while striking out four batters.
LIU returns to action on Tuesday, April 28, in the team's final non-conference matchup of the regular season, hosting Saint Peter's University at 3 p.m.
