The St. Thomas Aquinas College women's softball team exploded for 23 runs and 27 hits to score 7-1 and 16-5 victories over Southern Connecticut State University today in non-conference play at Spartan Field.

"This was our best performance of the year," said Kristen Sullivan, the STAC head coach. "We were finally able to put all phases of the game together. Our pitching, hitting and defense all were very strong."

Me'-Lani Kendle, Briana Keaveney, Amanda Schweitzer and Kelcy McGeehan each had two hits to lead a 13-hit attack in the first game. STAC broke open a 1-0 game with two-run rallies in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. Keaveney, Kendle and Sadler had clutch RBI hits in the rallies. The Lady Spartans got another solid pitching performance from Keaveney in the first game. The junior right hander struck out five and allowed only five hits to register her third win of the season.

The second game was never close. The Lady Spartans scored nine runs in the first inning and followed with seven more runs in the second inning. Ashley Landolina's three-run homer keyed the second inning surge and Amanda Leone followed with a home run over the left-centerfield fence. Landolina finished with three hits and six RBI and teammates Brittany Malloy (three RBI), McGeehan and Melissa Sadler each added two hits.

Colleen Borum allowed only five hits in recording the win.

"Our pitching was very effective today," said Sullivan. "Keaveney kept the ball down and mixed up her pitches well. Borum finally received run support and is beginning to show good consistency in the circle."

The Lady Spartans next play Monday when they host conference foe Mercy College at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.