CLERMONT, Fla. – Sophomore right-hander Julie Sosnicki (Lyndhurst, N.J.) pitched a no-hitter as St. Thomas Aquinas College spoiled Bentley University's season-opener, 5-1, in non-conference college softball Saturday afternoon at the National Training Center.

Sosnicki's no-no saw her strike out three and walk four while allowing only an unearned run in the first inning. She registered ten fly ball outs and eight via the ground ball.

The 1-1 Spartans gave her all the support she would need in the fourth inning when they scored all five of their runs, all but one unearned. Following a lead-off double by freshman McCarthy (Lindenhurst, N.Y.), an error on an attempted sacrifice allowed McCarthy to score the tying run. An RBI single through the left side by freshman Brittany Malloy (Cornwall, N.Y.) made it 2-1, and a third run scored on a two-out throwing error after a dropped third strike.

St. Thomas Aquinas extended its advantage with a double steal  and an RBI single by senior Colleen Pagnani (Blauvelt, N.Y.).

Bentley grabbed a 1-0 lead in its first at-bat of the season. Sophomore center fielder Kelsey Kennedy (Bedford, N.H./Bedford HS) drew a lead-off walk and took second when an attempted sacrifice by sophomore right fielder Chelsea Vena (Matawan, N.J./Saint John Vianney HS) was misplayed, giving the Falcons two on with no out.

Senior left fielder Shannon Connor (West Haven, Conn./West Haven HS) sacrificed to move both into scoring position and Kennedy scored Bentley's first run of 2015 on a grounder to second by junior first baseman Morgan Mazone (Selkirk, N.Y./Bethlehem Central HS).

Junior lefty Kelly Ferris (Seymour, Conn./Seymour HS) took the loss after giving up five hits and striking out three in her four innings of work. Sophomore Kelsey Smith (Jaffrey, N.H./Conant HS) pitched the final three for Bentley, allowing one hit and no runs.

Bentley's Florida trip continues Sunday with games against Millersville University (11 am) and Southwest Minnesota State (1 pm).