FLUSHING, N.Y. - The Queens College softball team drew a home share of its East Coast Conference double header with LIU Post Wednesday afternoon.  The Knights took game one 3-2, handing the Pioneers their first loss in conference play.  QC was shut out in game two 2-0. Queens now sit at 6-8 on the year, and 4-3 in conference play, while Post improved to 16-6 overall and 9-1 in ECC action.

GAME ONE:

The Knights jumped ahead on LIU Post ace Ashley Martin (7-4) in the bottom of the first inning as sophomore Alyssa Neal reached first base on an error. Next, Martin walked sophomore Victoria Carlo.  With two runners in scoring situations, sophomore ToniMarie Valeriano doubled to the right field fence to bring home both Neal and Carlo to give the Knights a 2-0 lead. The Pioneers responded in the next inning as Kayla McCoy added a two run single to left field to knot the game at 2-2. Queens retook the lead for good in the bottom of the third inning as Neal drove in freshman Lauren Pascual with a single to center field to go up 3-2.

Valeriano (4-3) pitched a completed game to earn the win as she struck out a career high nine, and allowing six hits and two earned runs.

GAME TWO: 

The Knights were held scoreless by Pioneers pitcher Hannah Olshevski (9-2), who allowed just two hits, while striking out four.  Maria Palmeri added two hits as she drove in the game's only two runs. Kristy Boody and Deanna Burbridge added the lone hits for the Knights as they were unable to carry their game one win momentum into game two. 

Pascual (1-4) took the loss for the Knights as she allowed five hits, two runs and struck out seven.

UP NEXT: The Knights stay home for a non-conference doubleheader Thursday (3/31/16) against Pace (12-6) with game one slated for 3:00 pm.