BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The Sacred Heart University softball team clinched its Northeast Conference (NEC) series against LIU Sunday with a 2-1 win at the Sharks' Softball Complex. 

Team Records:
Sacred Heart (21-24,12-6 NEC)
LIU (24-18, 9-6 NEC)  

SHU 2, LIU 1
Pitchers:
Sam Kowalski (SHU) – (W, 5.0 innings pitched, 1 earned run, 3 strikeouts, 12-10 record)
Emily Heath (SHU) – (S, 2.0 innings pitched, 0 earned runs, 1 strikeout)
Lindsey Cowans (LIU) – (L, 7.0 innings pitched, 1 earned run, 4 strikeouts, 14-11 record)

Top Performers:
Carly Koltko (SHU) – 2-2, 1 double, 1 walk
Emily Carroll (SHU) – 1-3, 1 RBI, 1 run, 1 double

Of Note:
The Pioneers opened today's rubber match with a 1-0 lead after the first inning. With two outs, SHU strung together a hit-by-pitch and back-to-back singles, with starting pitcher Sam Kowalski tallying an RBI single. 

LIU answered in the bottom of the second, evening the score at 1-1 with a solo homer. 

After the second, the pitchers kept runs off the scoreboard until the top of the fifth. The Pios broke the deadlock on the back of an error and a double from Emily Carroll. 

With the lead, the Pioneers' pitchers held strong to clinch SHU's fifth NEC series win of the season. 

In the circle, Kowalski started and went 5.0 innings to earn the victory. Emily Heath threw the final 2.0 innings and picked up her second save of the season. 

Up Next:
The Pioneers will next host an important NEC series against instate foe Central Connecticut State, beginning with a doubleheader on Tuesday, April 23, at 1 p.m. at Pioneer Park