Brookville, NY| LIU Post Softball Head Coach Jamie Apicella announced the first three members of the class of 2022 on Friday. Jayna Rios, Morgan Hernandez, and Ashlie Livermore signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Pioneers next fall.
"I am excited to welcome our 2022 signing class to the Pioneer family." Said Coach Apicella. "As a staff, we spent a lot of time evaluating and trying to identify student-athletes that would complement our current roster and be the right fit for our program. These three young ladies will enhance our team in every aspect of the game. Not only are they talented athletically, but they also value the importance of striving for academic excellence and making a difference on our campus."
Meet the Class of 2022:
Jayna Rios | SS | 5-1 | William Floyd High School – Shirley, NY
Rios, is an infielder out of William Floyd High School. She batted .400 with 31 RBIs and lead all of Long Island with 11 homeruns last year. Rios earned Rookie of the Year in 2014. The shortstop was most recently named Field Player of the Year and earned All-Long Island Second Team honors a season ago.
Rios on LIU Post: I've chosen to call LIU Post my home for the next four years because of the opportunity I've been given. I am glad that I have the ability to receive a great education while furthering my athletic ability in softball. LIU Post is a place I know will help me reach my goals of pursuing a career in education. I am very excited to start the next chapter of my life as a Pioneer!"
Morgan Hernandez | 1B | 5-6 | Vintage High School – Napa, Ca
Hernandez, a two-time letterman at Vintage High High School in local Napa, Ca. Hernandez made the All-Monticello Empire League First Team and was a finalist for Napa County Offensive Player of the Year in 2016. Hernandez tallied two home runs, six doubles, 29 hits, 11 runs scored, eight walks, and just seven strikeouts in 80 plate appearances.
Hernandez on LIU Post: "I chose LIU Post because I loved the environment of the team and the vibe on campus! I see it as a place to benefit my growth as a student and as a person. The "at-home" feeling reassured me that LIU Post is the perfect fit!
Ashlie Livermore | 2B | 5-4 | Freedom High School – Oakley, Ca.
Livermore, a sure-handed middle-infielder enters her senior year at Freedom High School. A three-year varsity member Livermore earned the Freedom HS Falcon MVP award a season ago. The Oakley, Ca native was also a recipient of the Freedom Varsity Coach's Award in 2016.
Livermore on LIU Post: "I chose LIU Post because I fell in love with the campus' atmosphere and it made me feel right at home. I believe that it will bring me so many wonderful opportunities that will help me accomplish the goals I set for myself. I am very excited to meet new people and create a new family that comes with being a part of a team."
The Pioneers finished with a 27-26 record in 2017, 10-14 in the East Coast Conference. LIU Post advanced to its 20th straight ECC Championship and reached the ECC Championship title game for the past six years.