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Box Score 2 Grand Rapids, MI – The 2025 season has been a roller coaster for Coach Brad Koch's squad: full of ups and downs, highs and lows, simply put, an emotional yo-yo. Saturday's doubleheader with Cornerstone mirrored this tumultuous start to the season as the two local conference rivals battled to a split.
Game 1: Cornerstone 10, Aquinas 2
Aquinas struggled to contain Cornerstone's offense in a 10-2 loss as the Golden Eagles jumped ahead early and maintained control throughout. Cornerstone struck first in the opening inning with a two-run homer, followed by a two-RBI double that gave them a 4-0 lead. The Golden Eagles added another run in the second on a sacrifice fly and extended their lead to 6-0 in the fourth with another sac fly.
The Saints found some life in the fifth inning when Abby Nieswender delivered a two-run single down the left-field line, scoring Karigann Cuthbert and Jaden Benschoter to make it 6-2. However, any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed as Cornerstone capitalized in the sixth, adding four more runs. The rally was fueled by a fielder's choice RBI, a pair of bases-loaded walks, and a two-run single, pushing the lead to 10-2.
Aquinas managed six hits on the day, with Jaden Benschoter leading the way with a 2-for-3 performance. Nieswender provided the only RBIs for the Saints, while McKenna Hinkle also contributed a hit and a stolen base. On the mound, Sophia Pavese took the loss, allowing four runs in just two-thirds of an inning. Raeann Drummond pitched the bulk of the game, going 4.2 innings with one strikeout, while Audrey Schindler closed it out.
Inside the Numbers (Game 1)
Game 2: Aquinas 8, Cornerstone 3
The Saints bounced back in the nightcap, securing an 8-3 victory over Cornerstone. The game was highlighted by a dominant second inning, where Aquinas scored six runs, starting with Abby Nieswender's solo home run to center field. The rally continued as McKenna Hinkle reached base on an error, bringing in two unearned runs, and Katie Carlson added a key RBI single. By the end of the inning, Aquinas had a commanding 6-0 lead.
Cornerstone fought back in the fourth and sixth innings. In the fourth, they plated two runs, aided by a double and a sacrifice fly. Cornerstone's lone scoring opportunity came in the sixth when a two-out single brought in another unearned run, trimming the lead to 6-3.
Aquinas added insurance runs in the seventh, with Carson Hendrickson's sacrifice fly and a clutch RBI single from Nieswender extending the lead to 8-3. Aquinas' pitchers, Ada Bradford and Sophia Pavese, held Cornerstone to just three runs, with Bradford earning the win after four innings of solid pitching, allowing two runs on five hits. Pavese came in relief, allowing only one run on four hits to seal the win.
Aquinas finished the game with eight hits and six RBIs, led by Nieswender, who went 3-for-4 with 2 RBIs. Cornerstone struggled at the plate, managing only three runs on nine hits. Despite some fielding errors, Aquinas showed resilience, closing out the game with strong pitching and timely hitting. Following the split, Aquinas is now 15-11 on the season, but only 2-2 in the WHAC.
Inside the Numbers (Game 2)
- Abby Nieswender: 3-4, home run, 2 RBIs, 1 run scored
- Katie Carlson: 2-4 at the plate, double, 1 RBI, 1 run scored
- Emma Houseman: 1-3, double, stolen base, 1 RBI, 1 run scored
- Ada Bradford: 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K's, got the win.
Coach's Comment:
Head Coach Brad Koch was straightforward after the game: "Tough go in the first game today, but bounced back nicely behind good pitching and a strong performance at the plate by freshman Abby Nieswender."
Up Next
Aquinas' game against Rochester Christian on Sunday has been postponed until Thursday, April 10, with the venue TBD. On Tuesday, the Saints will travel to Ohio to play two games with Lourdes. Stay updated with recaps, stats, and all AQ sports coverage at aqsaints.com.
