MANCHESTER, N.H. – The LIU Post softball team came up short to Saint Anselm College, 3-1, dropping the opening contest in the East Super Regional at the South Athletic Fields May 17.
 
The Pioneers will look to bounce back tomorrow, needing two victories to advance to the Division II World Series in Salem, Va. next week.
 
Sophomore Abbey Fortin provided the only run for LIU Post Thursday, blasting a solo home run to deep left field in the fourth inning. Junior Leah Mele, sophomore Allie Laird, and freshman Breanna Klaiber recorded one hit apiece. In the circle, sophomore Katie Humhej tossed all six innings, allowing three runs on seven hits. For the Hawks, Morgan Perry struck out eight batters to earn the complete-game victory.
 
The Hawks took the early lead in the bottom of the first after Perry struck out the side in the top of the inning. Shannon Colson sent a two-out single off the bag at third base to drive in Erin Thompson for the game's opening run, giving St. Anselm a 1-0 lead. Colson extended the lead two innings later with an RBI-single to make it 2-0 through three innings.
 
With one out in the fourth, Fortin sent a 3-1 pitch well over the fence in left field for her seventh postseason home run. The one run was all the Pioneers could get in the fourth and went down in order in the fifth to keep the score 2-1. St. Anselm added to the lead with a one-out double to the fence in left field by Megan Murrell, putting the game out of reach for good.
 
Tomorrow's first contest is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. with game two to take place at approximately 3:30 p.m. if necessary. Fans can follow along with live stats and video at www.liupostpioneers.com.