Adrian, MI – This has been one of the wildest years in WHAC softball. Momentum swings faster than a penguin chasing a hot herring in a tuxedo. The Saints have taken their fans and coaches on a roller coaster of emotions—unstoppable one day like a rabbit with a fresh Energizer battery, and ice-cold the next, struggling to hit even if the ball were placed on a tee. Metaphors aside, it's been a turbulent ride—but the conductor can see the end of the line. This holiday weekend will play a crucial role in determining AQ's final standing in the WHAC regular season. First up: a battle of the Saints in Adrian, MI.

Game 1: Aquinas 5, Siena Heights 1
A dominant complete-game performance from Sophia Pavese and a consistent offensive attack powered Aquinas (23-18) to a 5-1 victory over Siena Heights (17-12) on Thursday afternoon. Pavese was in control all game, allowing just four hits and no earned runs while striking out nine over seven innings to secure her team's 23rd win.
Aquinas struck first in the second when Mallory Buikema roped a double to left, scoring Jaden Benschoter. In the third, Abby Nieswender drove in another with an RBI single before Carson Hendrickson stole home in a gutsy double-steal play. AQ capped its scoring in the seventh with back-to-back RBI doubles from Hendrickson and Benschoter. Siena Heights scratched across one unearned run in the bottom half, but it was too little, too late.
The Saints racked up nine hits, including three doubles. Hendrickson led the way with a 3-for-4 day, adding a run and an RBI. Buikema and Benschoter each chipped in with key RBIs and extra-base hits, while Nieswender, Lanham, and Hendrickson all added stolen bases to the mix.

Inside the Numbers (Game 1)
• Carson Hendrickson: 3-4 batting, 2B, SB, R, RBI
• Jaden Benschoter: 2-4, 2B, RBI, R
• Mallory Buikema: 1-2, 2B, R
• Sophia Pavese: 7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K – Win

Game 2: Aquinas 12, Siena Heights 3
Aquinas exploded for seven runs in the sixth inning to blow open a tight contest and earn a 12–3 victory over Siena Heights, completing the road sweep. The Saints improved to 24–18 overall and evened their WHAC record at 9–9.
AQ got things rolling early, taking a 1–0 lead in the first after an SHU error allowed Angelina Lanham to score. They extended the lead in the third on a Kenzie Jordan RBI, but Siena answered with three runs in the bottom frame. Aquinas didn't flinch—tying the game in the fourth on a Delchambre RBI double, followed by a go-ahead double from Katie Carlson. Carlson later scored on an alert baserunning play to make it 5–3.
The floodgates opened in the sixth. Nieswender drove in two with a single, followed by run-producing hits from Hendrickson, Fisher, and Postma—who had a career day with three hits and two RBIs. Raeann Drummond picked up the win, with a fine day in the circle, going 5.1 innings and allowing just two earned runs on seven hits. Pavese came in to close out the sixth.

Inside the Numbers (Game 2)
• McKenna Hinkle: 3-4, 2 R, 1 SB
• Meagan Postma: 3-4, 2 RBI
• Katie Carlson: 2-4, 2 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI
• Raeann Drummond: 5.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K – Win

Coach's Comment
Head Coach Brad Koch applauded his team's energy and execution:
"We simply hit the ball hard up and down the lineup today. Coupled with our pitchers combining for 14 strikeouts, it made for a great day and another much-needed sweep."

Up Next
Aquinas returns home on Saturday to celebrate Senior Recognition Day against Defiance. The teams will play a doubleheader, with Game 1 scheduled for a 1:00 PM first pitch. Game 2 will follow approximately 20 minutes after the opener.
Be sure to visit www.aqsaints.com for full recaps, stats, and all things AQ Athletics.