Waterbury, Conn. - The St. Thomas Aquinas College Softball team made the trip up I-95 for a Tuesday afternoon non-conference twin bill with Post University at LaMoy Field. A Spartans hit parade, combined with stellar pitching performances led the visitors from Rockland County to an 11-3 run-ruled game one victory and a 4-0 shutout triumph in the night cap.
Additionally, second baseman Elyse Marcano became the first Spartan to stroke 200 career hits while wearing maroon and gold, and sits atop the prestigous all-time hits club.
STAC wins its fifth straight contest and improves to 15-11 on the season, while Post falls to 5-20.
Game One: 11-3 STAC (5 Innings)
St. Thomas Aquinas used a dominant middle-inning surge and a balanced offensive attack to defeat Post, 11–3.
Early Action on Both Sides
The Spartans struck first in the opening inning. Sofia Marella delivered a two-run single to bring home Olivia Leon and Adriana Coira, giving St. Thomas Aquinas a 2–0 lead.
Post answered immediately in the bottom half. Haley Dibona helped spark the rally, and Nyla Sapia delivered a two-run triple to put Post in front, 3–2 after one inning.
Spartans Even the Score
St. Thomas Aquinas tied the game in the third inning when Trinadey Santiago lifted a sacrifice fly to center field, allowing Lauren Falk to score and even things at 3–3.
Insurance Adds Up Late
St. Thomas Aquinas continued to add on in the and fifth inning. Coira drove in another run with a single, and Leon added an RBI groundout while two runs scored on the play to extend the lead to 11–3.
Falk Secures the Win
Lauren Falk earned the victory in the circle, tossing a complete game. She allowed three runs on seven hits while striking out five and walking one.
Key Performers
St. Thomas Aquinas
- Adriana Coira: 4-for-4, 3B, 2 RBI, 3 R
- Sofia Marella: 2-for-2, 2B, 3 RBI, 1 R, 2 BB
- Olivia Leon: 1-for-3, 2B, RBI, 2 R
- Trinadey Santiago: 1-for-2, 3 RBI
- Nayah Diaz: 1-for-3, 2 R
Post
- Nyla Sapia: 2-for-2, 3B, 2 RBI
- Alexandra Bisceglia: 2-for-3, 2B, R
- Haley Dibona: 1-for-3, R
Game Two: 4-0 STAC
St. Thomas Aquinas rode a dominant pitching performance and timely hitting to complete the doubleheader sweep of Post with a 4–0 victory.
Scoreless Start Before Spartans Strike
Both teams were held in check early before the Spartans broke through in the third inning. Adriana Coira got things started with an RBI double, and Sofia Marella followed with a run-scoring single to give St. Thomas Aquinas a 2–0 lead.
Adding On in Key Moments
The Spartans extended their lead in the fifth inning when Coira drove in another run on a groundout, scoring Elyse Marcano to make it 3–0.
St. Thomas Aquinas added insurance in the sixth, as Yazmine Garcia brought home Trinadey Santiago on a fielder's choice to push the advantage to 4–0.
Popp Dominates in the Circle
Emma Grace Popp delivered a standout performance, tossing a complete-game shutout. She allowed just three hits while striking out 12 and walking one to earn the win, her eighth of the season in 11 starts.
Key Performers
St. Thomas Aquinas
- Elyse Marcano: 3-for-3, 3B, R
- Adriana Coira: 1-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI, R
- Trinadey Santiago: 2-for-3, 2B, R
- Sofia Marella: 1-for-4, RBI
- Yazmine Garcia: 1-for-3, RBI
Post
- Angelica Tompkins: 2-for-3, 2B
- Allysa Calabrese: 1-for-3
Up Next
STAC returns to Connecticut on Wednesday, April 8 for another non-conference doubleheader, this time with the University of Bridgeport. First pitch of game one is set for 2:30 p.m. at Seaside Park.