MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (April 13, 2024) - The (RV) St. Thomas University (STU) Softball team faced off against Ave Maria University Friday and Saturday for a three game series in Sun Conference play. The Bobcats swept the Gyrenes in the series, 3-0, bringing their overall record to 31-4 and conference record to 12-3. 

Game #1: St. Thomas 4, Ave Maria 1:
The first game of the series took place on Friday, April 12th with St. Thomas emerging victorious over Ave Maria with a final score of 4-1. Anna Toon secured the win for the Bobcats with a stellar performance, allowing only 1 run and 1 hit while striking out 10 batters in 7 innings. The Gyrenes took the lead in the 2nd inning, putting up their sole run of the game. St. Thomas responded strongly in the bottom of the 2nd inning, scoring 4 runs. Destiny Falquez kicked it off with a fly ball to left field allowed Bianca Palacios to score, tying the game, 1-1. Kaitlynn Martinez singles to left field, bringing home Gabriella Gilbert, putting the Bobcats in the lead, 2-1. Mya Achenbach was patient at the plate, securing a walk and bringing in Martinez. Natalie Kopicova kept the bats hot with a single up the middle to bring home Alahnis Berrios. 

Game #2: St. Thomas 3, Ave Maria 2 (8 Innings):
St. Thomas clinched another victory in game two of the series, this time edging out Ave Maria with a final score of 3-2 in a closely contested matchup on April 13th. In the 4th inning, St. Thomas took the lead as Falquez singled up the middle, bringing in Palacios. The Gyrenes responded in the 5th inning with a powerful triple through the left side, driving in two runs.
The Bobcats tied the game in the 7th inning as Kopicova singled and advanced to second, bringing in Jade Fayad. The Bobcats were officially heading into extra innings with a tied score of 2-2.St. Thomas was able to hold the Gyrenes off in the top of the 8th, keeping the score tied heading into the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the 8th inning, the Bobcats secured the win as Fayad singled to left field, advancing Falquez to third and bringing Palacios home to score the decisive run. 

Game #3: St. Thomas 2, Ave Maria 1

St. Thomas secured the sweep in a tight game three against the Gyrenes, winning 2-1 on April 13th. The Bobcats took an early lead in the game, with Anna Toon bringing in her first at bat. Toon doubled through the right side, bringing in Palacios and Kopicova. Ave Maria managed to score a run in the 6th inning, narrowing the gap, but ultimately fell short of a comeback. Anna Toon of St. Thomas delivered a standout performance both at the plate and on the mound, securing the win with 6 innings pitched, allowing only 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 3 batters.

Up next, the Bobcats will face the University of Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday, April 16th at 6 & 8 p.m. at Col. Jacqueline J. Kelly Field During the doubleheader match ups, the Bobcats will honor their seniors that will be graduating in 2024.

-STU-