This past weekend, Villanova’s softball team traveled to Providence, RI, where it was swept by Providence College (26-15, 15-3 Big East) in a three-game series.
On Tuesday, April 28, the ‘Cats hosted Lehigh University at home, falling to the Mountain Hawks, 5-0.
With the weekend losses, Villanova’s overall record dropped to 11-39 and 5-16 in the Big East.
On Friday, April 24, Villanova fell to Providence, 8-0.
Sophomore pitcher Lexi Kobryn started on the mound for Villanova, striking out one, walking three and giving up five runs off five hits. Freshman pitcher Maggie King came in for relief in the fourth, walking two and giving up three runs off three hits.
“Pitchers struggled with control versus Providence,” head coach Bridget Orchard said. “We plan to focus more on pounding the zone and getting ahead in counts this week and into the weekend.”
The Friars got ahead, scoring three runs in the first. Villanova responded by loading the bases, but was unable to score.
In the second, Providence scored two, extending its lead to 5-0. Kobryn managed to keep the third inning scoreless, but the Friars scored another one in the fourth. Providence won by a run-rule from a walk off in the fifth inning.
On Saturday, April 25, the ‘Cats lost again, 6-2, in a seven-inning game.
Senior Kat Gallant started on the mound, striking out one, walking one and giving up two runs off four hits.
Providence struck first, with three runs in the third, and two more in the fifth to make the score 5-0. In the sixth and seventh, the ‘Cats scored their first and only two runs. The Friars put one on the board. One of Villanova’s runs came from junior infielder Grace Reed, who hit her fifth home run of the season.
“Providence scoring early hurt our chances of a comeback as we mentally lost confidence and energy,” said Orchard.
On Sunday, Providence won the third game of the series, in a seven-inning game, 6-3.
Junior pitcher Maranda Runco started on the mound, walking one and giving up six runs from the Friars off seven hits.
Kobryn came in for relief in the third inning and prevented Providence from scoring again by striking one batter out and giving up only one hit.
The ‘Cats scored in the fourth inning when senior utility Kendall Spivey scored off a wild pitch. Sophomore infielder Jaclyn Morra then hit one to the shortstop, which allowed sophomore catcher Ava Mahnken to score.
In the sixth, junior catcher Mackenzie Waghorn hit a sacrifice fly to left field, bringing in Kobryn to score the final run of the game.
The seventh inning went scoreless, leading to a Providence sweep, 3-0.
“Reed, Morra, Wahorn and Mahnken all had some key hits to lead to runs and defensive plays. Kobryn threw five impressive shutout innings to end the series,” Orchard said. “We hope they can continue to play well as our season comes to an end this weekend, and we can carry some positive vibes, focusing on next season.”
Villanova will now take on St. John’s University at home, kicking off a three-game series on Friday, May 1. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.
