Nikkie Boccia hit a three-run homer to lead the Misericordia University softball team to a 4-0 win over Alvernia to advance to the championship game of the ECAC South playoffs.

The Cougars, 25-17, will need to beat DeSales twice to win the title.

Amanda Polaha drove in a run in the top of the seventh and Caitlin Cromley worked out of a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the seventh to preserve the shutout.

Maria Kidron led off the game with a double to center field and moved to third on Polaha's sacrifice bunt.

Hollie Sarnak was hit by a pitch and one out later Boccia belted an 0-2 pitch for a three-run homer to left field.