Grand Rapids, MI – To say it has been a long and winding road would be an understatement. The 2025 AQ Softball season has seen its fair share of ups and downs, and there's no doubt Coach Brad Koch would've preferred a more consistent ride. One thing remains certain: this squad has talent. If the Saints can put it all together and play to their full potential, they could be a serious threat next week.

Game 1: Lawrence Tech 9, Aquinas 1
A fast start and a powerful third inning propelled Lawrence Tech to a 9-1 victory over Aquinas in Wednesday's WHAC doubleheader opener at the AQ Softball Field.

The Blue Devils (18-18) wasted no time getting on the board, scoring in each of the first four innings. A sacrifice groundout from Al. Bloomfield brought home the opening run in the first, and a sharp single by K. Snyder in the second extended the lead to 2-0.

Aquinas (26-19) responded in the bottom of the second when Alea Fisher lined an RBI single to right field, scoring Carson Hendrickson, who had reached on a double. That would be the Saints' lone run, however, as LTU quickly regained control.

The game's turning point came in the third inning, when Lawrence Tech exploded for four runs. G. Su'a doubled home a run, then scored on a throwing error during a stolen base attempt. Z. Markey and K. Snyder followed with RBI singles, capitalizing on an Aquinas miscue in the outfield.

G. Su'a added to her big day in the fourth, launching a two-run home run to left after As. Bloomfield had already singled home another run earlier in the frame. Su'a finished 3-for-3 with three RBIs and a home run.

Saints starter Sophia Pavese (11-11) took the loss, allowing four runs over 3.2 innings. Raeann Drummond entered in relief but surrendered five more runs on six hits over 1.1 innings. The duo combined for just one strikeout.

On the flip side, Blue Devil pitcher Monroe kept the Aquinas offense in check, scattering four hits and striking out one across five efficient innings to pick up the win.

Aquinas struggled at the plate, managing only four hits — one each from Patrina Marsh, Carson Hendrickson, Alea Fisher, and Alyssa Larson — while committing two errors in the field.

The two teams would square off again in Game 2, as the Saints aimed to bounce back and earn a split.

Inside the Numbers (Game 1)
• Patrina Marsh: 1-2 at the plate
• Carson Hendrickson: 1-2, 2B, 1 R
• Alea Fisher: 1-2, RBI
• Alyssa Larson: 1-1 off the bench, pinch-hitting for Angelina Lanham

Game 2: Aquinas 6, Lawrence Tech 4
Powered by Abby Nieswender's late-inning heroics and clutch relief pitching from Sophia Pavese, the Aquinas softball team completed a thrilling comeback to defeat Lawrence Tech 6-4 in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader.

With the win, Aquinas improved to 27-19, while Lawrence Tech slipped to 18-19 overall.

The Saints started quickly, with Patrina Marsh scoring in the first on a Katie Carlson groundout. Marsh kept it rolling in the second, drawing a bases-loaded walk to make it 2-0.

Lawrence Tech turned the game on its head in the fifth, stringing together four consecutive RBI doubles from L. Morrisset, B. Crittende, Al. Bloomfield, and G. Su'a to take a 4-2 lead.

But the Saints weren't done.

In the bottom of the fifth, Alea Fisher brought in Abby Nieswender on a fielder's choice to narrow the gap to 4-3. Then came the sixth inning and Nieswender's clutch moment. After Katie Carlson tied the game with another RBI groundout, the Saints extended the inning thanks to an error by the LTU shortstop. That miscue proved costly, as Nieswender blasted a two-run homer to left field — her third hit of the game — giving Aquinas a 6-4 lead they would not relinquish.

Nieswender finished 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, three runs scored, and two RBIs. Marsh added a 2-for-3 showing, including a triple, two runs, an RBI, and a walk.

Sophia Pavese (12-11) came on in relief and delivered 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits with no walks or strikeouts to earn the win.

Lawrence Tech's Timm (1-3) was tagged with the loss, surrendering three runs (one earned) in 1.1 innings.

The game ended in bizarre and controversial fashion. Glorianna Su'a appeared to reach on a single, but was ruled out due to an illegal substitution. Su'a had been replaced in the fifth inning after a double but was never properly re-entered into the lineup. By rule, she was automatically out — allowing the Saints to escape with the win and a doubleheader split.

Inside the Numbers (Game 2)
• Abby Nieswender: 3-4, 2B, HR, 3 R, 2 RBI
• Patrina Marsh: 2-3, 3B, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB
• Katie Carlson: 1-4, 2B, 2 RBI
• Sophia Pavese: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K — earned the win

Coaches Comments:
Head Coach Brad Koch reflected on the team's bounce-back effort:
"Quite honestly, we got smacked around pretty good in the first game. Pretty proud of our squad for bouncing back and pulling out a much-needed gritty win."

Up Next
Only one conference doubleheader remains before the WHAC Conference Tournament. On Saturday, AQ will host Concordia at the Cornerstone Softball Complex. Game 1 is set for 11:30 AM, with Game 2 starting about 20-25 minutes after the final out. The doubleheader will be streamed live, although no play-by-play commentary will be available.

Stay updated with recaps, stats, and all AQ sports coverage at aqsaints.com.