The St. Thomas Aquinas softball team beat Philadelphia University, 3-0 in their first game on Friday afternoon. The Spartans gave up late runs to fall, 5-4 in game two.
In the top of the 3rd, Briana Keaveney reached on a fielding error and later was advanced to second off a sac-bunt by Kelcy McGeehan. Danielle DiModugno reached on a fielding error that scored Keaveney, giving the Spartans a 1-0 lead. In the next inning, Brittany Malloy led off with a walk and eventually advanced to third on another Rams error. Nikolette Nevola picked up the RBI, scoring Malloy on a ground out bunt and giving the Spartans a 2-0 lead.
The Spartans continued to hold the Rams scoreless and added another run in the top of the 7th off an RBI single to center field from Briana Emanuele. Emanuele's hit scored Keaveny, who led the inning off with a single of her own. Keaveney was 1-for-3 with a walk and two runs. Keaveny also picked up the shutout win on the mound, recording four strikeouts and earning her 8th win for the Spartans.
STAC took an early lead in the second game with a 3-run 2nd inning highlighted by two RBI singles; one from Cyan Scarduzio and one from McGeehan. Amanda Leone led off the inning with a triple to right field and was brought home by Scarduzio's hit. A sac bunt from Caitlyn Francoeur brought home Scarduzio. McGeehan's single scored Emanuele, who had reached on a fielder's choice.
The Spartans added their fourth run of the game in the 3rd inning that had two passed balls and a wild pitch. Alyssa Farr pitch ran for Samantha McDonald and scored the run for the Spartans. Down, 4-0, the Rams put together three runs in the bottom of the 6th to keep their hopes alive. A home run in the bottom of the 7th by Stephanie Pepper evened the score a four apiece. With two outs and runners on second and third a passed ball pitch allowed Shannon Weaver to score for the Rams and win the game. Julie Sosnicki took the loss on the mound for the Spartans.
STAC will return to action on Saturday when they travel to Queens College.