Sparkill, N.Y. - Eliana Raposo and Sofia Marella's extra-base hits, combined with the masterful pitching performance of senior Madison Puppolo helped St. Thomas Aquinas College salvage a split of Wednesday's non-conference softball doubleheader with the University of New Haven at Spartan Field. The visiting Chargers took an 8-5 decision in game one, before the Spartans downed New Haven, 9-1 in six innings to close out the afternoon.

STAC moves to 9-11 on the season, while New Haven goes to 4-10.

In the opener, St. Thomas Aquinas scratched across a run in the bottom of the first inning on a Sofia Marella RBI groundout, scoring Elyse Marcano. However, New Haven responded with eight straight runs spread out over the second, fifth and sixth innings to take an 8-1 advantage. The Spartans' bats came alive in the bottom of the seventh inning, courtesy of Olivia Leon, Maristella Coira, Eliana Raposo, Sofia Marella and Adriana Coira. Maristella's single to left field, combined with an error, allowed Jordyn Gautier to score to make it 8-2. Eliana's two-out, two-run jack to center field brought the maroon and gold to within 8-4 and was immediately followed by Sophia's solo shot to center field which cut the deficit to just 8-5. Unfortunately, STAC could not manufacture any more runs and their rally attempt was cut short.

Sarah Clancy (L, 4-6) got the game one start in the circle for the Spartans and allowed six runs (four earned) on seven hits, while issuing no walks and fanning three Chargers hitters over four innings. Teammates Madison Puppolo and Alyssa Liguori combined to work the final three innings out of the bullpen.

Game two saw New Haven score a first inning run, before the Spartans answered with a pair of runs of their own in the bottom of the frame. Eliana Raposo's RBI double to left field, brought home Maristella Coira followed by Trinadey Santiago's routine ground ball which passed through the legs of the Chargers shortstop, allowing Santiago to reach first base and giving Raposo the easy trot home to put the hosts ahead, 2-1.

The action slowed down between the sides until the sixth inning, where STAC put the game away with seven consecutive runs. Sofia Marella's three-run blast down the left field line made it a 5-1 game. A wild pitch brought home Jordyn Gautier to push the Spartans' lead 6-1. Maristella Coira's bases loaded walk sent Nayah Diaz to the plate to blow the game open at 7-1. Then a pair of wild pitches allowed both Adriana Coira and Aliya Feerick to score, ending the contest at 9-1.

Madison Puppolo (W, 5-3) took the ball for STAC in the second game and was spectacular on the mound. The Massachusetts native allowed just one run on three hits, while walking one and striking out three over six innings of work to earn her fifth straight victory of the season.

STAC next hosts Mercy University in an ECC doubleheader which takes place on Tuesday, March 25 at Spartan Field. First pitch of game one between the Spartans and Mavericks is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.