Salem, Va. – The LIU Post softball team saw its program-setting 2014 season come to an end Saturday, as the Pioneers fell to West Chester, 6-2, in an elimination game at the Division II Softball National Championship in Salem, Virginia.
The Pioneers were unable to capitalize on some early chances against West Chester starter Kim Murl. In the top of the second, LIU Post loaded the bases with no outs, but a pair of comebackers led to a 1-2-3 double play and an inning-ending groundout without a run crossing. That would prove costly, as the Golden Rams would plate two in the bottom of the frame to take a 2-0 lead.
West Chester would add four in the bottom of the third to go ahead 6-0 before the green and gold could get the offense going.
In the top of the fifth, junior catcher Aly Dzierzynski (Deer Park, N.Y.) singled to left, scoring pinch-runner Jessica Julich (Kings Park, N.Y.) for the Pioneers' first run.
Later, in the sixth, with the bases loaded and one out, senior second baseman Angela Carmine (Westbury, N.Y.) hit a ground ball to the first baseman, who threw wildly home, allowing pinch-runner Carly Chamberlain (Nesco, N.J.) to score, making it 6-2 in favor of West Chester. With the bases still loaded and one out, senior Alexis Gonzalez (Hauppauge, N.Y.) grounded back to the pitcher who got the lead runner at the plate, and senior shortstop Nicole Hagenah (Commack, N.Y.) flied out to center to end the threat.
In the seventh, freshman first baseman Kayla McCoy (Smithtown, N.Y.) smacked a two-out double to the gap in left-center, but that would be all the offense the Pioneers would produce off Murl.
In the circle, senior Liz Weber (Brightwaters, N.Y.) threw 2.0 innings, allowed four runs (two earned) on two hits and three walks. In relief, freshman Ashley Martin (Long Beach, N.Y.) allowed two earned runs on five hits and three walks in 4.0 innings.
The Pioneers conclude the 2014 season at 50-11, the highest win total in program history, and the team's first East Region title since 2011.
Provided by the LIU Post Sports Information Department.
