LIU Post women edge Adelphi on Shayna Gatling's block

LIU Post is headed to the Sweet 16.

Shayna Gatling's block under the basket in the final seconds secured the Pioneers' 85-83 win over Adelphi in the Division II women's regional semifinals Saturday in Waltham, Mass.

Post (24-6) will face Bentley for the regional title at 7 p.m. Monday at Bentley College's Dana Center.

Alexis Peters grabbed the ensuing loose ball off Gatling's third block as time expired. Gatling, a 2010 Baldwin High School graduate, had seven points, 11 rebounds and three assists.

"I was right there in the right position at the right time," Gatling said. "We were in a 2-3 zone and I just jumped up and challenged it. To make it this far, I'm just really happy for my team."

Peters went 7-for-15 from the field to finish with 22 points. Peters also made the winning basket in Post's 60-59 quarterfinal win over Assumption on Friday.

Kiki Sears led the way for Post with a game-high 28 points, to go along with four rebounds and three assists. Chelsea Williams added 21 points.

When Peters, Sears and Williams -- all guards -- are at their best, LIU Post is tough to beat.

"We're led by all three of them," Pioneers coach Deirdre Moore said. "They're at their best when they're getting stops on defense and getting out in transition. They help us to relax and just play our game."

Sade Jackson led Adelphi (23-8) with a team-high 26 points. Jessica Kitrys added 22 points and Calli Balfour had 13 rebounds.

Adelphi's Panthers rallied from an 18-point first-half deficit to make it interesting and it was almost good enough.

"There were flashes of sticking to the game plan, but we didn't execute when we were supposed to," Adelphi coach Heather Jacobs said. "Our defense was poor, but we rallied back to cut it to four at the half. We mixed it up between zone and man, but they hit some open shots that really hurt us."