WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Saint Francis Softball was unable to play the role of spoiler in today's finals home games against LIU, falling by scores of 11-8 and 12-2, respectively, on Sunday afternoon at the Red Flash Softball Field in Loretto, Pa. Freshman Olivia Hood ended the day with four hits and three RBIs.

THANK YOU, SENIORS 
Just before game one began, Bill Vasko and the Saint Francis Softball team paused to celebrate and honor five students who are graduating from the program in a few weeks. We thank Graduate Student Emma Hicks, senior Annabelle Farmer, senior Haley Brag, junior Aliya Garroway, and long-time team manager Matthew Hall. On behalf of all Saint Francis Athletics, we wish these soon-to-be graduates the very best in their future pursuits.

FLASH MOMENTS 
In game one, the Sharks built a significant early lead through the first three innings. However, Saint Francis showcased its power at the plate with three home runs in the bottom of the third.

The surge began with Farmer, who launched her ninth home run of the year to deep center field. After a walk to sophomore Sofia Zielinski, sophomore Morgan Pasternak capitalized with her 10th home run of the season, driving in her team-leading 39th RBI and continuing the rally. Hood capped off the inning with her second home run of the year, cutting the deficit to 10-4.

Zielinski added to the effort in the bottom of the fifth with a home run of her own, trimming the Sharks' lead to 11-5.

The Red Flash made one final push in the seventh, sparked by a wild pitch that allowed junior Lilly Hicks to score. Hood delivered again with a double to the left-center gap, bringing in additional runs and narrowing the final margin to 11-8.

Game two followed a similar script, with LIU jumping out to an early, commanding lead. Despite the deficit, Saint Francis responded the way it has all season, grinding back into the game. With runners on, Farmer drove in her second RBI of the day to put the Red Flash on the board, making it 12-1. Zielinski later added the final run of the afternoon with a sacrifice fly to center field, recording her second RBI of the day and bringing the score to 12-2.

ON DECK