MANCHESTER, N.H. (May 8, 2015) - The sixth-seeded LIU Post softball team shut out third-seeded and East Coast Conference rival Queens, 2-0, in the first round of the 2015 NCAA East Region II Championship Tournament on Friday. With the victory, the Pioneers advance to the winner's bracket and will face No. 2 seed and host Southern New Hampshire, which defeated Saint Anselm, 3-0, in Game One.

The green and gold (31-15-1) were on the board first, as Paige Swantek (Smithtown, N.Y.) singled up the middle, and Maria Palmeri (Middle Village, N.Y.) sent a blast to dead center, consecutively, giving the Pioneers an early two-run advantage in the second frame. The score would stand through the rest of the contest, as the Knights (35-15) could not eclipse LIU Post's lead.

Sophomore hurler Ashley Martin (Long Beach, N.Y.) commanded the circle, allowing Queens just four hits through a seven-inning showing. She whiffed eight and walked none.

Pioneer softball returns to the field Saturday (May 9), for an NCAA Regional winner's bracket battle. First pitch is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at Penmen Field. For more information about the Pioneers, please continue to check LIUPostPioneers.com.