ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. (May 6, 2017) – It would take two extra frames, but the second-seeded Molloy softball team was eliminated from the East Coast Conference Softball Tournament following a 3-2 loss to fourth-seeded LIU Post in nine innings at Bob Klein Field. The loss drops the Lions to 32-16 on the season, and the team awaits the NCAA Selection Show on Monday (May 8) night to learn their fate.

The maroon and white struck first, as junior Olivia Banulski (Bristol, Conn.) doubled to left center field in the bottom of the third innings. Senior Erin Clinton (Long Beach, Calif.) singled in the next at bat to advance Banulski to third base. A passed ball scored the junior and put Molloy ahead 1-0. A single from graduate student Milan Botte (San Diego, Calif.) doubled the lead.

Molloy held the 2-0 lead through to the top of the sixth inning when sophomore Julia Seader (Piscataway, N.J.) hit a two-run home run to center field to tie the contest. The Lions managed to put a runner on base in the bottom of the sixth and seventh innings, but the score remained knotted and the game was sent to extras.

Both teams were retired in order in the eighth inning. Seader was intentionally walked in the top of the ninth before freshman Abbey Fortin (Langley, British Columbia, Canada) also drew a walk. Sophomore Ashley Melendez (Levittown, N.Y.) singled through the left side to give the Pioneers a 3-2 lead. The Lions were sent down in order in the home half of the inning, eliminating them from the tournament.

Molloy was led by Clinton, who went 4-for-4 on the afternoon while Botte picked up the team's only RBI. Senior Chelsea Hawks (Wading River, N.Y.) pitched nine innings, striking out seven batters in the loss while freshman Katie Humhej (Surrey, British Columbia, Canada) pitched five innings in relief, striking out 10 in the victory.