It was a busy weekend for the softball team as it took on Pittsburgh and Syracuse in two doubleheaders. The highlight of the weekend came during the second game on Sunday, as junior pitcher Laura Determen allowed just five hits and struck out six, helping the ‘Cats to shutout the Orange with a 2-0 victory for their first conference win. However, the ‘Cats lost both games to Pittsburgh on Saturday and the first game against Syracuse by scores of 7-3, 1-0 and 4-1, respectively.

In the first game, Pittsburgh came out strong in the first inning, scoring two runs. It was not until the sixth inning that the ‘Cats came to life. Junior Meghan Morese was able to drive in two RBIs with the bases loaded. Senior Jackie Dempsey and sophomore Danielle Maricle crossed the plate after they traveled around the diamond on a few Panther errors. The Wildcats were then able to pick up their last run of the game when sophomore Jess O’Boyle hit a single to drive in senior Jessica Curtis. This was the only offensive action for the Wildcats, as the Panthers outscored Villanova 7-3.

In the second game, the Wildcats came out strong, rallying with two outs in the second, loading the bases with singles from Morese, sophomore Eryn Teague and O’Boyle. However, the Wildcats were not able to take advantage of filling up the bases and left the three runners stranded. The Panthers pushed ahead with the go-ahead and winning run on a single driving in Sam Ward, who had walked at the start of the inning and then stole second. This single was enough to give the Panthers the lone run of the game, earning them the victory.

On Sunday, the Wildcats were able to pick up momentum after an opening game loss to Syracuse. In the first game, the Orange scored first with a walk that turned into a run in the second inning and a solo home run in the third. It wasn’t until the sixth inning that the Wildcats showed some life when Carolyn Brown doubled and was then driven home with a single by Curtis. However, it was not enough to catch the Orange, as Syracuse went on to win by a final score of 4-1.

All of the scoring in the second game took place in the bottom of the third with one out. Teague and Morese both singled to start off, putting two on base. Maricle tripled to right field, driving in two runs and putting the ‘Cats ahead to stay. The ‘Cats played stellar defense and kept the Orange scoreless even under pressure in the sixth when Syracuse’s Chanel Roehner was hit by a pitch. O’Boyle was able to throw out the runner at second base, thwarting any pressure from Syracuse. The Wildcats were able to hold on to their lead en route to picking up their first conference win. The team will take the field again on Saturday, hosting Louisville in another doubleheader. — K.M.