Manchester, NH – For the first time since 1988 as a Division I program, the Adelphi University softball team is returning to the College World Series by winning the first two games of the NCAA East Super Regional at Southern New Hampshire this weekend.

After winning game one in 15 innings yesterday, the Panthers used a 4-2 decision in game two this afternoon to sweep the series and advance to the World Series in Oklahoma this coming week.

In the winning effort, the Panthers only needed two hits as the group was able to produce three walks and two hit by pitches. Brenna Martini went 1-for-1 from the plate that included two walks as well as the decisive game-winning grand slam homerun in the bottom of the third inning. Victoria Wink added the other hit while Lindsay Mapes earned the victory by tossing a complete game with four strikeouts.

The Penmen struck first during the second inning as Molly Eicher doubled to left center to score Erin Morrissey. Morrissey started the rally with two-out single after working the count full. The Panthers looked to respond in the next half inning, however, Ali Maloof worked around back-to-back walks to start the inning and keep the Brown and Gold off the board.

Looking to redeem the efforts of the previous inning, with one out in the third Krista King reached on an error followed by Jordan Catalano getting hit by a pitch and Wink singling to load the bases for Martini. Working the count to 2-0, the freshman roped a line drive just over the left field fence to clear the bases and put Adelphi up 4-1 with the grand slam that proved to be the game-winning hit.

Southern New Hampshire cut into the lead at 4-2 in the next half inning as Eicher produced the run again with a RBI single with two outs. However, Mapes was able to settle down and keep the Penmen off the board that included a 1-2-3 final inning with a two groundouts and a strikeout.

Adelphi now moves on to the NCAA Division II Championship this Thursday through Monday at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City.