MIAMI GARDENS, Fla-  The softball took on a patriotic flavor as both the Bobcats and conference opponents USCB gathered to recognize military personnel on "Military Day" on Saturday afternoon at Col. Jacquelin J. Kelly Softball Field.

The Bobcats dedicated this day to all those who have served and those who are currently serving in the armed forces, celebrating their accomplishments as well as the lives of those who have fallen. The team held a ceremony at the beginning of the game in which four Military Servicemen came out and threw the first pitch, as both STU and USCB stood together to recognize and thank these men for all the service they have done for this country. Several other service men and women, many of whom had family ties to Bobcat players and coaches, were recognized throughout the afternoon.

After all the ceremonies, the teams would then play a doubleheader to complete the three-game series.  The first game went to St. Thomas (9-24, 4-10 TSC)  3-2 in walk-off fashion in extra innings, while USCB  (24-17, 6-8 TSC) won game two by a final score of 2-1.

The first game brought a great offensive effort from designated player Alliyah Sands, who went 2-for-3, scoring one run. On the mound for STU came a great day for freshman pitcher Emily Santos, as she pitched a complete game, as well as the sole extra inning, with a final line that included nine hits, two runs, one earned run, one walk and one strikeout in eight innings pitched.

The score in game one was 1-1 after seven innings, sending the conference match up into extra innings.  The Sand Sharks scored in the top of the ninth leaving the Bobcats down a run heading into the bottom of the eighth inning.  GiGi Santos was placed on second via the automatic runner rule, then advanced to third on a ground out by Michelle Murch.  Jessica Castiglione then hit an RBI-single scoring GiGi Santos to tie the game.  With two outs and runners on second and third, Alexis Castroman put the ball in play which the USCB third baseman misplayed allowing Brandi Bunker to score for the exhilarating game-winner.

In the second game, Alexis Castroman was the lone scorer for the Bobcats, as she went distance, hitting her third HR of the season and the only homer of the series for either team.

With the bases loaded in the sixth with no outs, the Bobcats picked up defensively and brought one of the top plays on the weekend. A hit went straight toward  Murch and she beamed it to home plate, where Jamie Gonzalez would ensure no other runs would score. Although STU would drop the rubber match against USCB, the pitching only allowed four runs on the day, three of them earned.

Jessica Castiglione pitched a strong second game, going a full seven innings, only allowing two runs, both earned, two walks, and one strikeout.

Next up for the Bobcats is a three-game conference series against Keiser in West Palm Beach, Fla., beginning on Thursday, April 13 at 4 p.m.

To follow those games live, here is the link: portal.stretchinternet.com/keiser.