The softball squad had a rough go of it in Big East play this year, going just 5-13 in the conference. However, a strong out-of-conference record helped the Wildcats to have a shot at finishing 2007 with an overall winning record, and has already led the team’s coach to a significant career milestone.

The ‘Cats’ season began with a sweep of the UCF Tournament. Four wins in two days matched Villanova up in a meeting with the tournament host, Central Florida. Laura Determan threw a complete-game shutout to secure a 1-0 win for ‘Nova. The team wasn’t done with its play in Florida just yet. The team played games in the Sunshine State for three weeks before resuming play up North. The ‘Cats wrapped up their Florida schedule by going 3-3 at the Adidas Invitational in Clearwater, Fla.

The team took two of three at the Rider Tournament in New Jersey before beginning its ’07 Big East schedule. After dropping a pair at Louisville, the Wildcats returned to Florida once again and picked up their first conference win with a 2-1 win in extra innings. Sheri Donley’s solo homer lifted the ‘Cats to the win, but the conference schedule would be tough for the remainder of the season. After splitting a pair with rival St. Joseph’s, the Wildcats finally played their first game at their new home field, a doubleheader against Rutgers. Just two weeks later, a doubleheader win at Providence gave Head Coach Maria DiBernardi her 600th win in her career with Villanova.