Villanova’s softball team played Seton Hall (15-23, 5-13 Big East) at home from April 10-12. The ‘Cats (9-33, 5-13 Big East) went 1-2 in the three-game series against the Pirates.
The first game was held on Friday, April 10, during which the Wildcats won 8-5 over a six-and-a-half- inning game, a strong start to the three-game face-off.
Freshman pitcher Carly Zych started on the mound for the ‘Cats.
Seton Hall jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. Senior outfielder Madison Ostrowski got on base and scored on a home run from sophomore Ava Mahnken to tie the game at 2-2.
After the Pirates hit a home run in the third to regain the lead, Villanova responded with a five- run fifth inning to take control of the game for good. Freshman Katie Reed and senior Maddie Burrows hit singles and scored on a hit from Runco and a throwing error from Seton Hall.
A single from Ostrowski and a walk tied the game at 5-5, then a base hit from freshman Jacquelyn Cox and an error on a ground ball gave Villanova a 7-5 advantage.
Runco hit a sacrifice fly in the sixth to score junior Mackenzie Waghorn, and Villanova led 8-5.
Villanova held up through the remainder of the game with freshman pitcher Maggie King on the mound.
King managed three strikeouts in four innings.
On Saturday, the ‘Cats fell 4-0 to Seton Hall in the second game of the series.
The game remained scoreless through the first three innings, but the Pirates broke through with two runs in the fourth inning. They added two more in the fifth to extend the lead.
Villanova was unable to respond offensively and managed only a handful of hits from sophomore Jaclyn Morra, Burrows, Runco and Mahnken.
“We were able to get momentum in game one with some key at bats. We were patient at the plate, drawing walks to get on base and key hits led to five runs in one inning,” said head coach Bridget Orchard. “The last two games we couldn’t get any momentum going. Their pitchers and defense did a good job of keeping our batter off balance.”
Runco started on the mound for the Wildcats. She registered three strikeouts over four innings before sophomore pitcher Lexi Kobryn came in during the fifth for relief. She threw three scoreless innings.
The loss marked the seventh time Villanova has been shut out this season.
On Sunday, April 12, the Wildcats dropped the series finale, 4-0. It was the first time the ‘Cats have been shut out in back-to-back Big East games since 2014 against DePaul.
Seton Hall took the lead early in the third inning, tallying three runs. They scored an additional run in the sixth to go up 4-0. Villanova struggled again on the plate, but managed to avoid a no-hitter.
“We need to be more disciplined at the plate and swing at pitches that we can drive rather than chasing balls or pitchers pitches,” Orchard said.
Ostrowski and senior Lily St. Jean both hit singles, while Morra knocked a double. However, none could reach home plate.
King started on the mound and pitched for five innings. She struck out two, walked one and gave up three runs on six hits. King was later relieved by sophomore pitcher Sophia Mount.
“Headed into Towson need to get back to the basics and focus on enjoying the game,” said Orchard. “They play well when supporting each other and not putting pressure on themselves to get it done.”
The loss brings Villanova’s record to 9-33 overall and 5-12 in the Big East.
Villanova will travel to Towson, Maryland, to compete against Towson on Wednesday, April 15. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.
