Rockford, Mich. — While it may not have been college basketball, everything was set up to feel like a Cinderella story.

Two of the top teams in the WHAC. A home opener. A brand-new, state-of-the-art facility ready to be christened. The Saints and the Crusaders, center stage, with all the ingredients for a story worthy of a best-selling novel.

Instead, it read more like a Stephen King script.

Madonna came to town and spoiled the celebration, sweeping Aquinas in Saturday's doubleheader.

Madonna 8, Aquinas 1 (Game 1)

The opener started with promise, but slowly slipped away from the Saints.

After Madonna plated a run in the second and added another in the third, Aquinas answered in the bottom of the second inning. Abby Nieswender reached on a single and Mallory Buikema followed with a base hit to set the table. Bella Asai moved the runners over with a sacrifice, and Karigann Cuthbert delivered a sacrifice fly to bring home the tying run.

The Saints continued to battle at the plate, with Buikema leading the way with three hits, while Nieswender and Maci Willey each added hits of their own.

However, Madonna capitalized on key moments in the middle innings. A two-run double in the fourth inning pushed the Crusaders ahead, and a four-run sixth inning created separation the Saints could not overcome.

Sydney Bosgraaf worked into the sixth inning in the circle for AQ, while Emma Austin came on in relief. Despite limiting hard contact at times, Madonna was able to take advantage of baserunners and extend innings.

Aquinas finished with five hits in the contest but struggled to generate sustained offense against Madonna's pitching staff.

Madonna 13, Aquinas 3 (Game 2 – 5 innings)

Game two followed a similar pattern, with Aquinas showing flashes early before Madonna broke the game open.

After falling behind early, the Saints found a spark in the third inning. McKenna Hinkle singled and used her speed to create pressure on the basepaths, eventually coming around to score. Katie Carlson also crossed the plate following a Madonna defensive miscue, and Jadalyn Lopez delivered an RBI single as AQ pulled within one at 3-2.

But once again, the Crusaders responded.

Madonna erupted for five runs in the fourth inning to regain control and followed with another five-run outburst in the fifth, stretching the lead and forcing an early finish.

Hinkle reached base and scored twice in the game, while Alea Fisher, Lopez, and Daniela Anzaldua each recorded hits. Carlson drove in a run, and the Saints continued to show the ability to create opportunities, even as the deficit grew.

In the circle, Emma Austin got the start, with Addy Buchin, Ada Bradford, and Kenzie Greene all seeing time in relief as AQ worked to navigate Madonna's deep lineup.

With the two losses, Aquinas moves to 18-6 overall and 0-2 in WHAC play, while No. 5-ranked Madonna improves to 24-2 overall and 4-0 in conference action.

Saints Snapshots

     • Crusaders spoil home opener at new AQ facility
     • Buikema leads Game 1 with three-hit performance
     • Saints generate early offense but can't sustain momentum
     • Madonna uses big middle innings to take control in both games
     • AQ drops first WHAC contests of the season

Coach's Comments

Head Coach Patty Jansen said the Saints will use Saturday as a learning opportunity as they continue through conference play.

"We didn't play the way we're capable of today, especially in a moment that meant a lot for our program," Jansen said. "But this is a long season, and we're not going to let one day define us. We'll learn from it, clean up the things we need to improve, and be ready to compete again tomorrow. That's what good teams do — they respond."

Up Next

The Saints will attempt to bounce back on Sunday when they return to the Meijer Sports Complex to host perennial UM-Dearborn in a doubleheader scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

If you can't be there, the games will be streamed live on the AQSaints YouTube Network. There will be no play-by-play for this doubleheader.

Be sure to visit AQSaints.com for live stats, streaming links, and full postgame coverage of AQ Softball and all Saints sports.