BROOKVILLE, N.Y.- The Caldwell University softball team split a non-conference doubleheader against LIU Post. The Pioneers edged Caldwell in the opener 1-0, while the Cougars took the nightcap 7-3.
 
The Cougars move their record to 10-12, while the Pioneers stand at 17-11.
 
In the opener, Caldwell was limited to three hits as sophomore 
Melissa Rini (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), senior 
Kiahna Silva (Etiwanda, Calif.) and freshman 
Maya Rodriguez (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) each posted singles            .
 
Sophomore 
Sara Bearden (Ewing, N.J.) struck out five in a complete game effort, allowing one run on six hits to fall to 5-5.
 
In the nightcap, the Cougars jumped out to an early lead with two runs in the first inning. Silva led off with a single, while senior 
Marisa Monasseri (Monroe, N.J.) walked. Rodriguez singled as Silva scored on an error. The Cougars took advantage of a second error in the inning to take a 2-0 lead.
 
LIU Post answered in their half of the inning as they tied the game with two runs. The Pioneers took a 3-2 lead as they added a run in the third inning.
 
Caldwell retook the lead in the fifth inning as sophomore 
Christina Misiur (Sayreville, N.J.) singled to start the inning. Pinch runner senior 
Katelyn Johnson (Denville, N.J.) moved to second on a passed ball and reached third on a sacrifice bunt. Sophomore 
Kelle Lalier (Massapequa Park, N.Y.) reached on an error to put runners at first and third.
 
Silva ripped a single to score Johnson to tie the score at three. Lalier and Silva moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. Rini gave the Cougars the lead with a sacrifice fly, while Rodriguez reached on an error that allowed Silva to score for a 5-3 lead.
 
The Cougars added a pair of runs in the seventh as Silva was hit by a pitch. Rini singled, while Monasseri doubled to score Silva. Caldwell went on to load the bases with two outs as freshman 
Anyssia Ramirez (Brentwood, Calif.) reached on a fielder's choice, while freshman 
Paige Sandoval (Aliso Viejo, Calif.) walked. Johnson drew a walk to force in a run and extend the lead to 7-3.
 
Sophomore 
Jessie Johnston (Livermore, Calif.) improved to 5-7 as she tossed a complete game, allowing three runs (one earned) on nine hits.  
 
The Cougars host Bloomfield College for a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference doubleheader on Monday, April 9 at 2:30 pm at Caldwell Field.