Viera, Fla. – It's been both a learning experience and a wonderful opportunity for the 2025 Aquinas Softball team to develop a strong sense of community within the squad. Going into Tuesday, the AQ team was undefeated on their Florida trip, but more than that, they had truly come together as a team to be reckoned with when the WHAC schedule begins. After defeating New Haven in the first game, the Saints were blanked by Southeastern for a split.

Game 1: Aquinas 6, New Haven 2

The Saints got on the board early, manufacturing a first-inning run on a groundout by Carson Hendricks that scored Emma Houseman.

After New Haven briefly took the lead with two runs in the second, AQ quickly responded. A pair of errors and a heads-up baserunning play allowed Houseman and Angelina Lanham to score in the fourth, providing a comfortable cushion.

The real story of the game was Ada Bradford, who took over in relief and was dominant. The right-hander tossed five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out seven and walking none.

Game 1 - By the Numbers:

• Katie Carlson: 2-for-2 at the plate, with a walk and a stolen base.

• Emma Houseman: 1-for-2, 2 runs scored, 2 walks, and a stolen base.

• Ada Bradford: (in relief) 5 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 7 K's

Game 2: Southeastern 5, Aquinas 0

Facing a nationally ranked Southeastern squad, the Saints battled but struggled to generate offense. Southeastern struck first in the opening frame with an RBI double, but AQ's defense kept the game close until the late innings.

A single run in the fifth and a three-run burst in the sixth put the game out of reach. Katie Carlson provided a bright spot, going a perfect 2-for-2 with a double, a walk, and a stolen base. Sophia Pavese held her own in the circle, allowing two runs over five solid innings before Southeastern pulled away late.

Game 2 - By the Numbers:

• AQ managed just four hits against solid pitching.

• Katie Carlson: 2-for-2 at the plate with a 2B, SB, and a BB.

• Sophia Pavese: 5 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 7 H, 3 BB, 3 K

Inside the Numbers (for the doubleheader):

• Katie Carlson: 4-for-4 at the plate, 1 2B, 2 BB, 2 SB, 1 R

• Ada Bradford: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K

• Emma Houseman: 2 R, 2 BB, 1 SB

Coach's Take

Head Coach Brad Koch reflected on the Saints' performance: "The girls battled today with a solid first-game win. Came up short against a tough Southeastern team, who is ranked 16th nationally. We held our own and competed well, but runs were at a premium tonight."

Next Up

The AQ Saints will go at it again on Wednesday with games against Midland (2:30 PM) and Montreat (4:45 PM), once again in Viera, Florida. Stay tuned for updates at aqsaints.com.