Indianapolis, Ind. – After several rain delays spanning over two days, the Saints finally got back onto the field last night (May 15) with their tournament lives on the lives. AQ matched into No. 24-ranked Middle Georgia State after falling to Rio Grande on Monday (May 13). Aquinas put together an incredible defensive performance to beat the nationally ranked-team 4-1.

The result was one for the history books for the AQ softball program. With a 4-0 win over MGA, Aquinas won its first-ever game at an NAIA National Opening Site Tournament. The big win was also AQ's second win over a ranked team this season.

Aquinas 4, #24 Middle Georgia State 1

MGA threatened to score early with a pair of one-out singles in the bottom of the first. Sophia Pavese dug in and struck out the batter for the second out and forced a routine flyout to center field to get out of the early jam.

Carson Hendrickson posted AQ's first hit of the game with a leadoff single to center field to begin the third. A well-executed sacrifice bunt from Emma Houseman moved Hendrickson over before Ashley Snyder pinch ran for the All-WHAC shortstop. A massive fielding error from the Knights allowed McKenna Hinkle to reach first. The speedy left fielder went on to steal second, putting two runners into scoring position with one out.

Courtney Hardin delivered a massive two-RBI double into center field, scoring both runners and giving AQ its first lead of the tournament. Another fielding error on Kim Sosnowski's at-bat kept the inning going and allowed the Saints to double their lead. Haley Myers and Katie Carlson both ripped RBI singles into center field to take a 4-0 advantage.

Pavese and the Aquinas defense shut down Middle Georgia over the next two innings, recording six consecutive outs that included two punchouts. The Saints threatened to score again in the top of the fifth after a Hinkle single and a Hardin walk, but MGA managed to get out of the inning unscathed with two groundouts.

The nationally ranked Knights finally managed to put a run on the board after an error allowed Middle Georgia to score from first base following a single. Aquinas recollected itself to pick up two quick outs and keep the game at a three-run difference.

Aquinas looked to add on a few runs in the top of the seventh after putting together a two-out rally. Hardin was hit by a pitch off her faceguard and both Alexa Kownacki and Myers singled to load up the bases. Carlson hit a ball deep to left-center, but the Middle Georgia State center fielder managed to get under the ball and keep AQ off the scoreboard.

Pavese was on the verge of her ninth complete game performance of the season and she did just that. The ball never left the infield as a strikeout, groundout to Myers, and a pop-out to Pavese ended the game and Middle Georgia's season.

By the Numbers

• Pavese recorded her ninth complete game of the season and her eighth performance allowing one or fewer runs. She allowed just four hits and struck out four.
• Hardin reached base three times with a double, a walk, and a hit by pitch.
• The Saints put together eight hits as a team. Myers was the only player with multiple hits.
• Myers, Carlson, and Hardin drove in all four of AQ's runs in the third inning.

Up Next

Aquinas will be looking to continue its momentum today. The Saints picked up a massive 8-0 mercy victory over Rio Grande this morning to continue their postseason bid. Aquinas will now take on No. 8 Marian for a shot at the championship.