Ann Arbor, Mich. – The Saints returned to action today (Apr. 6) with a doubleheader against a tough Concordia side. Both games were evenly matched and the doubleheader ended with each team walking away with a much-needed win. The Saints improved to 22-6 overall and 4-2 in conference play.

Game 1: Concordia 6, Aquinas 5

Haley Myers continued to get hits in the first game as she kicked off the game with a single up the middle. AQ appeared to be in position for a massive inning as Kim Sosnowski was then hit by a pitch to put two runners on with no outs. However, a lineout and a fielder's choice play quickly put two outs on the scoreboard.

Elizabeth Haunhorst walked to load the bases and Jessica Dobias hit in two runs with a single and a fielding error from the center fielder for an early 2-0 lead.

The Cardinals found a quick response after a pair of hits and a home run from the 2023 WHAC Softball Player of the Year, Shannon McAlinden, gave the hosts the lead right back. CUAA added on another run with a sacrifice bunt in the bottom of the second for a 4-2 advantage.

Neither team scored again until AQ picked up a run in the top of the fifth. Katie Carlson singled and Alexa Kownacki hit her home with a huge double to left field. AQ completed the comeback in the sixth after McKenna Hinkle and Courtney Hardin walked and Carlson hit Hinkle home with a two-out single to left field.

The Saints proceeded to take the lead for the first time since the first inning after an error from Concordia allowed Dobias to reach home. AQ needed just one out in the bottom of the seventh to secure the win, but the Cardinals strung together a walk and three hits for a walk-off win to start the doubleheader.

Game 2: Aquinas 7, Concordia 5

Aquinas put up four runs in the top of the first box that started with a Myers home run to right center – her second of the season. Hardin being hit by a pitch, Carlson hitting a single, and Darrien Roberts walking in her return to the lineup loaded up the bases with one out. Kaelyn Stafford stuck out, but Concordia was unable to get out of the jam as Carson Hendrickson hit a bases-clearing double to right field to bring three runs home.

However, the CUAA offense responded again, scoring in each of the ensuing three innings to take a 5-4 advantage. It wasn't until the fifth inning that additional runs were scored. Hardin singled before Carlson gave AQ the lead back as she crushed a ball over the right-field fence for her team-leading third dinger of the season.

The Saints continued to apply pressure to the Cardinals as Hardin and Vaughan started the top of the seventh with a pair of hits, forcing a CUAA pitching change. The new pitcher made very little difference for Carlson as she recorded her seventh total base of the game with a double to left-center, bringing in another run.

The AQ offense cooled off following that run as Sydney Bosgraff looked to keep Concordia off the scoreboard for one final inning. She did just that, striking out the first two batters and forcing a flyout to center to help secure the Aquinas win.

Bosgraaf entered the game in the third inning following CUAA's fifth run and posted a bunch of zeros. In 3.2 innings pitched, she allowed no hits and no walks while striking out three.

By the Numbers

Carlson ended the doubleheader with five hits on eight at-bats, including a double, a home run, four RBIs, and a stolen base for an incredible day.

Hardin and Myers both finished the pair of games with three hits apiece. Hardin also reached base three additional times due to two walks and being hit by a pitch while Myers hit in an RBI with her solo home run.

Hendrickson (2), Emma Houseman (1), Dobias (1), Kownacki (1), Leah Vaughan (1), Hinkle (1), and McKayla Mott (1) recorded the rest of the hits.

Up Next

Aquinas has two more road games tomorrow (Apr. 7) against Rochester. The games are set to begin at 1:00 p.m.