Nadia Kemp started the game with the first of her two home runs to set the tone as the John Jay High School softball team coasted to a 16-1 triumph over Arlington in Freedom Plains on Tuesday.

The game was halted after five innings due to the 15-run mercy rule.

“Nadia is our leadoff hitter for a reason,” John Jay coach Bonnie Schilling said. “She’s consistent and a spark plug. She sets the tone and the rest of the team follows her.”

Kemp was 3 for 4 with three runs scored and three RBI.

Gabby Bracchi was 3 for 3 with three runs scored, and Andrea Varvara singled, doubled and scored three runs. Megan Theiller added two hits and a run scored, and Erin McHugh doubled, scored a run and drove in two runs.

Winning pitcher Vicky Lattanzio, who contributed a hit and two runs scored, allowed three hits and struck out four.

The Patriots play district rival Roy C. Ketcham Thursday at 7 p.m. at the East Fishkill Recreation Park. John Jay won the previous meeting between the two clubs this season.

“I thought it was a nice win to put under your belt before playing Ketcham,” Schilling said.