March 29, 2008

Box Score

VILLANOVA, Pa. - The Villanova softball team started off BIG EAST play Saturday afternoon hosting Pittsburgh in a doubleheader at Villanova Softball Field. Despite mounting several comebacks, the Wildcats (7-11, 0-2) dropped both games to the Panthers, falling in the first, 7-3, and 1-0 in the final game.

Pittsburgh (14-11, 2-0) wasted no time in the first game, as they had two runs on two hits in the first inning.

Junior pitcher Laura Determan gave up another run in the second inning as she walked the first batter, Alicia Broudy, who made her way around the bases, keeping Pitt in front, 3-0.

The Villanova offense woke up in the sixth inning as senior Jackie Dempsey advanced to second following an error from the Panthers' shortstop. Following another miscue from Pittsburgh, Dempsey moved to third, sophomore Danielle Maricle moved to second base and senior Jessica Curtis took first base. Junior Meghan Morese stepped to the plate to pinch hit and came up with a huge 2 RBI double, scoring Maricle and Dempsey. Sophomore Jess O'Boyle hit an RBI single to send Curtis home, giving the Wildcats another run, but still trailing Pittsburgh, 7-3.

Villanova threatened again in the bottom of the seventh inning as freshman Allie Heon hit a lead-off double, but she would be stranded, as the Panthers earned the 7-3 victory in the first game.

Morese was 1-of-2 with two RBI's in the game.

It was the Wildcats who came out hitting early in the second stanza. Morese hit a two-out single to reach as sophomore Eryn Teague singled in the following play to have two runners on for the `Cats. O'Boyle added another single, loading the bases, but all three would be left on base as the inning ended without a score.

Sam Ward from Pittsburgh was walked to begin the fourth inning and then stole second. A single from the Panthers sent Ward home, putting Pitt ahead, 1-0.

Villanova threatened in the fifth inning on a single from Curtis and again in the seventh inning when freshman Christina Botkins doubled as the second batter up. Botkins would be stranded, as Pittsburgh lone run was enough to earn the 1-0 victory in the second game and sweep the Wildcats.

Botkins went 2-for-3 in the game, while Villanova combined for seven hits. Senior pitcher Nicci Ward threw a stellar game giving up just one run on one hit for the outing.

The Wildcats will host Syracuse on Sunday afternoon for a BIG EAST doubleheader. First pitch is set for 12:00 p.m.