# @axcess_baseball on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DGCPiEqxQSp
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/27325964-axcess-baseball-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/9529a550a6.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-02-14T01:37:16.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Axcess Baseball (@axcess_baseball) — https://gondola.cc/axcess_baseball

## Caption

Now on Axcess Powered by @metalandscapedesign 

The LIU Sharks enter the 2025 season with high expectations, looking to build on their 2024 success, which included a statement 4-2 win over Miami and a dramatic NEC Tournament run. 

After falling to Sacred Heart 8-6 in the quarterfinals, LIU faced an uphill battle, needing to win out to secure its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2022. In the semifinals against No. 3 seed Merrimack, the Sharks trailed 6-2 in the seventh before erupting for nine runs over the next two innings, rallying for an 11-9 victory and setting up a championship rematch with Sacred Heart. 

With Sacred Heart needing just one win and LIU needing two, the Sharks delivered under pressure. A five-run seventh inning in Game 1 forced a decisive winner-take-all showdown, where LIU sealed the title with a dominant seven-run ninth, clinching its second NEC championship in three seasons. 

Now ranked No. 1 in the NEC Preseason Poll, the Sharks aim to stay atop the conference, leaning on a strong core of experienced veterans and 14 newcomers to fuel another postseason push.

The Sharks return most of their starters, including All-NEC selections SS Ben Fierenzi, C Jack Power, and RHP Garrett Yawn. Ninth-year Head Coach Dan Pirillo will rely on their experience, believing it is crucial for championship success.

“We have returning starters in the lineup that played very important roles for us in conference championships and regionals. We also have guys on the mound who have logged important innings for us as well,” Pirillo told Axcess Baseball. “I like to think that will go a long way in terms of experience and confidence. These guys know what it takes to win. They have set a standard and know what to expect.”

They’ll open up on Friday, February 14 against Marist and Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, NC. Full story by Tucker Terranova coming to axcessbaseball.com

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## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Axcess Baseball | @axcess_baseball | https://gondola.cc/axcess_baseball | Sports Media Outlet |
| Tucker Terranova | @TuckerTerranova | https://gondola.cc/TuckerTerranova | Writer |

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