Villanova women’s softball had a busy weekend with double headers on both Saturday and Sunday. After falling short to Harvard with a score of 11-10 in the first game, the ‘Cats stormed back, winning the next game with a score of 5-0. Although the ‘Cats struggled against James Madison on Sunday, the team has a positive attitude toward its future.

Junior co-captain Sheri Donley says despite the recent losses, the team continues to prepare and work hard.

“Looking forward there is hope,” Donley said. “For this weekend we are practicing in hope to work out the kinks. We are also preparing the freshmen for the added pressure that comes with Big East games.”

Donley praised the work of freshman Meghan Morese, who has been an important addition to the ‘Cats team this season. With Big East games on the horizon, and a close group of only 15 players, team unity is more important than ever.

“Every person has an important position on the team,” Donley says.

After graduating eight seniors last season, the ‘Cats are now a young team. With only two upperclassmen, Donley and junior Co-Captain Cassie Koenig, the team is looking to its underclassmen to step up and perform. Sophomore second baseman Jackie Dempsey spoke about the team’s potential.

“We know that we can play with any team,” Dempsey said. “We have great pitching, fielding and hitting. It just needs to come together all at the same time.”

The ‘Cats were hot at the plate on Saturday against Harvard. The team combined for 10 home runs on the day. Sophomore Greta Holmgren was 5-for-7, including two homeruns while Koenig also tallied two homeruns on the day.

The team is looking forward to Big East competition play.

“I am excited that the Big East is about to begin,” Dempsey said.  “It is a whole new level of competition. From our games so far, we have learned what we need to improve on and what to do better.  We will close those little holes this week in practice and come out to win this weekend.”

Big East games will give the ‘Cats the opportunity to show their desire to win as well as their individual and team talent. As the season progresses, the team is working together to improve every aspect of their game.

“We just have to string our talent together, which will make one great team,” Dempsey said.

Big East play opens for the Wildcats this weekend at home, when they take on the Providence Friars on Saturday and the Connecticut Huskies on Sunday.