BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (Apr. 21, 2016) - On Thursday, the LIU Post softball team came away with a split versus University of Bridgeport in an East Coast Conference doubleheader at Seaside Park.

Game #1: LIU Post 2, Bridgeport 5
The Pioneers got out to a strong start in the opener. After the first two runners reached base to start the first, freshman catcher Julia Seader (Piscataway, N.J.) drove them both in with a two-RBI double to left field, giving LIU Post a quick 2-0 advantage.

However, the Purple Knights responded with a four-run third and never looked back. A two-RBI double by junior first baseman Meghan O'Leary (Lafayette, N.J.) put Bridgeport in front for good at 4-2.

LIU Post managed to bring the tying run to the plate over the next three innings, but was unable to muster any additional runs against UB junior pitcher Alyssa Bua (Cornwall, N.Y.).

Junior pitcher Ashley Martin (Long Beach, N.Y.) took the loss in the decision. She scattered eight hits, five runs (four earned) and four walks with three strikeouts over 6.0 innings of work.

Game #2: LIU Post 9, Bridgeport 3
In the nightcap, the Pioneers (30-11-1, 19-5 ECC) again got on the board first, scoring two runs in the opening frame, off a one-out, two-run blast by Seader.

This time, LIU Post remained ahead. In the fourth inning, senior designated player Paige Swantek (Smithtown, N.Y.) belted a two-run homer, while freshman shortstop Leah Mele (Coram, N.Y.) ripped a two-RBI single, extending the Pioneers' lead to 6-0.

Though Bridgeport (19-25, 12-14 ECC) managed to cut the deficit in half in the fifth, LIU Post pushed across another three runs in the sixth inning to shut the door on the Purple Knights.

Sophomore outfielder Samantha Marrone (Holbrook, N.Y.) had the big hit of the frame; a two-RBI triple. She came home only seconds later on a wild pitch that capped the scoring for the afternoon.

Freshman pitcher Hannah Olshevski (Robbinsville, N.J.) tossed a complete game in the win, allowing eight hits, three runs and three walks with two strikeouts.

Head Coach Jamie Apicella and the Pioneers are back in action Saturday (Apr. 23), when they face ECC opponent Mercy College at 1 p.m. in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.