MIAMI GARDENS, Fla.- It was a a beautiful day for softball and for honoring a special guest at Col. Jacquelin J. Kelly Field, as the Bobcats hosted the Sand Sharks for game one of a three-game series on Friday. In true Champion of Character spirit, the St. Thomas Bobcats took a day on the schedule to honor Madison Smith, a (years of age) old who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) days before her first birthday. 

The team labeled this Friday afternoon game as "Madison Day", with a pre-game ceremony that consisted of amazing sportsmanship. Both USCB and STU gathered around and shared a moment with Madison, as the unity and respect was truly in the air.

Madison would then share a solo moment with both teams, receiving gifts from the Bobcats, and a speech given by Coach Jeff Norman, as the team went all out without any stops for the young, big-hearted Madison. Her love for the sport was clear and strong as she was given the honor of throwing out the first pitch for tonight's game.  Madison's mother Jennifer Miller-Smith also spoke to the crowd about Madison's journey and how to help in the fight against SMA.

Madison's softball team, the Plantation Pressure U-10 team, was also on hand for all the festivities and had the chance to run to their respective positions on the field with the Bobcats. 

After all the ceremonies, there was still a game to played as St. Thomas (8-24, 3-10 TSC) welcomed the University of South Carolina Beaufort (24-16, 6-7 TSC) on a cool South Florida afternoon.

For the Bobcats, two of the five hits came from third baseman Alexis Castroman, her first came in the second inning and the second hit came in the fourth.

On the mound for St. Thomas, Jessica Castiglione threw a complete game, going seven innings, allowing only one earned run while striking out four.

The final score ended in favor of the Sand Sharks, as the final score read 3-0.

Game two and game three of the home stand against University of South Carolina Beaufort will take place Saturday, April 8 at 1 and 3 p.m. at Col. Jacquelin J. Kelly Field.

This game day has been tagged as "Military Day", in which the team and the fans will take the day to honor those who have fallen and those in active duty overseas.  Come out and support in your military gear!