Viera, FL – A day off in Florida might sound like fun in the sun, but after dropping three straight games, the Aquinas softball team was itching to get back on the field. The Saints returned with purpose on Friday afternoon, dominantly sweeping their doubleheader.

Game 1: Aquinas 15, Fitchburg State 0

Aquinas wasted no time making a statement, exploding for five runs in the first inning and six more in the second en route to a 15-0 mercy-rule victory over Fitchburg State. The Saints tallied 11 hits, including extra-base contributions from Alea Fisher (double), Abby Nieswender (double), Carson Hendrickson (double), Emma Houseman (triple), and Patrina Marsh (triple). Both Hendrickson and Nieswender delivered three RBIs each.

On the mound, Sophia Pavese (4-4) was dominant, surrendering just one hit over three innings while striking out three. Audrey Schindler took over for the final two frames, matching Pavese with three strikeouts to complete the combined shutout. Fitchburg State struggled to find any offensive rhythm, managing just one hit and committing four errors.

Aquinas capped the victory with a four-run fifth inning, improving to 10-9 on the season.

Inside the Numbers: Game 1

• 15 – Runs scored by Aquinas, their second-highest total of the season.
• 11 – Hits by the Saints, including five extra-base hits.
• 6 – Strikeouts from the pitching duo of Sophia Pavese and Audrey Schindler.
• 4 – Errors by Fitchburg State, leading to multiple unearned runs.
• 2 – Stolen bases for Angelina Lanham and Jaden Delchambre, showcasing the Saints' aggressive baserunning.
• 1 – Hit allowed by Aquinas pitching in a near-flawless defensive effort.

Game 2: Aquinas 2, Florida National 0

In a much tighter contest, Ada Bradford delivered a gem in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout to lead Aquinas past Florida National 2-0. Bradford was nearly untouchable, allowing just two hits while striking out eight without issuing a walk.

The Saints broke through in the third inning when Emma Houseman roped an RBI single to center, scoring Kenzie Jordan for a 1-0 lead. In the fifth, Abby Nieswender added a crucial insurance run with a sacrifice fly, bringing home Avery Fisher.

Defensively, Aquinas was sharp, with Alea Fisher and Carson Hendrickson anchoring the infield while McKenna Hinkle contributed two hits and a stolen base. The win pushed the Saints to 11-9 on the season.

Inside the Numbers: Game 2

• 7 – Hits recorded by Aquinas, with Emma Houseman and McKenna Hinkle leading the way with two each.
• 8 – Strikeouts for Ada Bradford, who tossed a complete-game shutout (7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K).
• 2 – Runs scored by the Saints, both manufactured through smart baserunning and situational hitting.
• 2 – Errors by Aquinas, though they didn't prove costly in the shutout win.
• 2-for-3 – Emma Houseman's final line at the plate, adding an RBI.
• 1:45 – Total game time, a crisp and efficient defensive performance.

Coach's Comments

Head Coach Brad Koch was pleased with his team's response and their ability to get back in the win column: "The Saints got it done today and got back on a winning streak. Everybody hit a ton in the first game. In the second game, Ada Bradford threw a two-hit gem, blanking Florida National."

Up Next

Aquinas will wrap up their Florida road trip with two more games on Saturday. The Saints will face Florida International at 10:00 AM, followed by a 12:15 PM matchup with St. Ambrose, before heading home.