Grand Rapids, MI – We're at the midpoint of conference play, and the AQ Saints are still working to find their rhythm. This is a team with talent but one that has struggled at times with execution and consistency. On Friday afternoon, Aquinas couldn't quite get rolling and dropped both games of a doubleheader at Madonna, with each ending in a 9-1 loss.

Game 1: Madonna 9, Aquinas 1
Aquinas dropped the opening game of its weekend series at Madonna, falling 9-1 on the road Friday afternoon. The Saints stayed competitive early, holding the Crusaders scoreless in the first inning and plating a run in the fourth to trim the deficit to 2-1. But Madonna broke things open in the later innings, scoring seven unanswered runs in the fifth and sixth to take control.

Angelina Lanham led the Saints' offense with two of the team's four total hits. Mallory Buikema drove in Aquinas' only run with a sacrifice fly that scored Lanham in the fourth. Despite putting runners on in multiple innings, the Saints couldn't produce the timely hits needed to stay within striking distance of Madonna's potent offense.

Sophia Pavese got the start in the circle, pitching 4.1 innings and allowing five earned runs while striking out three. Raeann Drummond came on in relief, surrendering four runs—just one earned—as Aquinas committed three costly errors defensively. The Saints will look to regroup in Saturday's doubleheader.

Inside the Numbers:
• Angelina Lanham led the offense with a 2-for-3 performance and scored the team's only run.
• Mallory Buikema recorded the lone RBI with a fourth-inning sacrifice fly.
• Sophia Pavese struck out three over 4.1 innings.
• The Saints committed three errors, leading to four unearned runs.

Game 2: Madonna 9, Aquinas 1
Aquinas dropped the second game of Friday's doubleheader at Madonna, again falling 9-1 as the Crusaders stayed hot at the plate. The Saints got on the board in the fourth to chip away at a 7-0 deficit, but they couldn't mount a rally.

Karigann Cuthbert drove in Aquinas' only run with a single up the middle, scoring Katie Carlson. The Saints tallied four hits in the game, coming from four different players. They had a chance to do more damage in the fourth but left two runners on base.

Ada Bradford took the loss, giving up seven earned runs on nine hits over 2.2 innings. Raeann Drummond pitched in relief and allowed two unearned runs as Aquinas was again hurt by defensive miscues, committing two errors in the fifth. The Saints will look to bounce back in Saturday's home doubleheader.

The loss dropped Aquinas to 15-13 overall and 2-4 in WHAC play.

Inside the Numbers:
• Karigann Cuthbert went 1-for-2 and drove in the team's only run.
• Katie Carlson reached base twice and scored the Saints' lone run.
• Emma Houseman and Abby Nieswender each added a hit, bringing Aquinas' total to four.
• Two errors led to two unearned runs for Madonna.

Coach's Comment:
Head Coach Brad Koch was direct after the game: "Today was difficult, against a quality opponent, but we can't make excuses. We know we need to be and play better."

Up Next
Aquinas returns to the field Saturday afternoon to host Indiana Tech. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 12:00 PM, with game two starting 30 minutes after the opener. Stay updated with recaps, stats, and all AQ sports coverage at aqsaints.com.