Viera, Fla. – Fresh off a doubleheader sweep on Saturday, the Saints entered Sunday's match-ups riding a wave of confidence. That confidence was tested, but ultimately replaced by determination and grit. Aquinas needed late-inning heroics to edge Midland before overcoming a last-inning comeback from Waldorf to secure a thrilling walk-off victory in extra innings.

Game 1: Aquinas 2, Midland 1

The Saints showcased their resilience in a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over No. 21-ranked Midland, fueled by a stellar outing from Sophia Pavese.

The Warriors struck first in the bottom of the third, capitalizing on an inside-the-park home run to take a 1-0 lead. That would be the only run Pavese allowed, as she delivered a complete-game gem, scattering four hits while striking out six.

Aquinas finally broke through in the top of the sixth. Five consecutive singles from Emma Houseman, Katie Carlson, Carson Hendrickson, Abby Nieswender, and Jaden Benschoter methodically moved runners along, plating two runs to give AQ the lead. Midland escaped further damage with a double play, but the damage was done.

Pavese then shut the door in the final two innings, retiring six straight batters to seal the Saints' victory.

Game 1 - By the Numbers:

• Sophia Pavese: 7 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 6 K (Now 3-2 on the year)
• Katie Carlson: 2-3, 1 R, 1 BB
• Jaden Benschoter: 2-3, 1 RBI

Game 2: Aquinas 4, Waldorf 3 (9 innings)

The nightcap featured even more drama, as the Saints squandered a late lead but regrouped to walk it off in extras.

Aquinas struck first in the second inning, manufacturing two runs with small ball. Alea Fisher singled, followed by a perfect bunt single from Karigann Cuthbert, with both runners advancing on the play. Emma Houseman then laid down an RBI bunt single, giving AQ a 1-0 lead. Moments later, the Saints pulled off a double steal, with Cuthbert swiping home to make it 2-0.

Strong pitching held the lead until the top of the seventh, when Waldorf mounted a two-out rally. A single and three walks, sandwiched around a hard-hit ball to left, gave the Warriors a 3-2 lead, putting AQ on the brink of defeat.

But the Saints responded in the bottom of the seventh. Houseman walked and stole second, then scored on a sacrifice fly from Katie Carlson to tie the game at 3-3. AQ had a chance to end it, but left the winning run stranded at third, sending the game to extra innings.

After keeping Waldorf off the board in the eighth and ninth, AQ finally broke through. Houseman—placed at second via extra-inning rules—advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt from Angelina Lanham (who reached on the play). Carlson then delivered the decisive blow, a deep double to right-center, bringing Houseman home for the walk-off victory.

Game 2 - By the Numbers:

• Emma Houseman: 2-3, 2 R, 2 BB, 1 RBI
• Ada Bradford: 7.2 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 K
• Alea Fisher: 2-3, 1 R

Coach's Take

Head Coach Brad Koch reflected on the Saints' performance:

"In game one, Pavese tossed another gem to keep No. 21 (Midland) to just one run. And in both games, we did what good teams do—we found a way to win. Proud of the tenacity of our Saints today."

Next Up

The AQ Saints will take a well-earned day off Monday before returning to action Tuesday in Viera, Florida. Aquinas is set to face Southeastern and a TBD opponent, following a schedule change after Cottey's cancellation. Stay tuned for updates at aqsaints.com.