Viera, FL – When you are far from home and playing a plethora of games in a week, it's not uncommon to hit a roadblock. For the Saints Softball squad, Wednesday is a perfect example of this conundrum. After a blazing hot start in Viera, the Saints have now lost three straight following the pair of losses.

Game 1: Midland 11, Aquinas 2

Aquinas battled early, taking a brief 2-1 lead in the third inning, but Midland responded with ten unanswered runs, including a five-run sixth, to secure the victory. The Warriors struck first in the opening frame, but AQ answered back in the third when Angelina Lanham stole home, followed by Carson Hendrickson' RBI single to give the Saints a 2-1 edge.

Midland seized control in the fourth inning, capitalizing on an error and a bases-loaded walk to plate three runs. They continued the offensive surge in the fifth and sixth, with a three-run double to break the game wide open. The Saints had eight hits but struggled to string together offense, while three AQ pitchers combined to allow 11 runs (nine earned) on 11 hits.

Game 2: Montreat 5, Aquinas 4

The Saints' offense came alive in the second game, tallying 16 hits, but a three-run fifth by Montreat proved to be the difference. AQ held leads of 3-2 and 4-2 before the Cavaliers put together a late rally.

Aquinas tied the game at 2-2 in the third after a sacrifice fly by Carson Hendrickson and an RBI single from Jaden Benschoter. The Saints reclaimed the lead in the fourth when Katie Carlson's sac fly plated Patrina Marsh. However, Montreat took advantage of timely hitting in the fifth, to push Montreat ahead 5-4.

AQ threatened in the seventh, putting the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position, but Montreat closed the door with a game-ending double play.

Inside the Numbers:

• Jaden Benschote had a strong day at the plate, collecting six hits across both games, including a 3-for-4 effort in Game 2.
• Angelina Lanham continued to be a spark for AQ, finishing with four hits, a stolen base, and two runs scored on the day.
• AQ left 11 runners on base in the Montreat game despite outhitting the Cavaliers 16-4.
• The Saints' pitching staff surrendered 12 walks between the two contests, a key factor in both losses.

Coach's Comments:

Head Coach Brad Koch talked about the fine line between struggles and success:

"Pitching let us down today, for the first time. Had a couple tough ball clubs today, had some good chances, but couldn't cash in. We continue to prove we can compete with some of the best teams in the country, so looking forward to getting back at it Friday!"

Up Next:

The Saints have a day off before two days of two games to end the Florida trip. AQ will battle Fitchburg at 2:30 PM and Florida National at 4:45 PM. For results, stats, and recaps, check out AQSaints.com for everything Aquinas.