Morese Launches Two Homeruns in 11-4 Victory Over Rutgers

April 29, 2008

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Hot offense was the story in game two of Tuesday's doubleheader against Rutgers. The Wildcats combined for 14 hits, while taking an 11-4 victory.

Junior Meghan Morese wasted no time getting Villanova (19-29-1, 7-15) on the board as she launched a homerun to left centerfield in the first inning, scoring sophomore Danielle Maricle who led off with a single. The Wildcats jumped to a quick 2-0 lead, their first of the afternoon.

Rutgers answered with one run in the top of the second inning, but it was Morese again in the bottom of the third as she sailed a ball deep into left center to score senior Jackie Dempsey and give the `Cats a 4-1 advantage on her second homerun of the game. Morese is now one home run shy of breaking the school record as she has 26 career homeruns.

The Wildcats continued to add runs in the bottom of the fourth as the offense exploded. Freshman Kirsten Jelinski and sophomore Jess O'Boyle were walked to begin the inning and Jelinski scored on an error. Freshman Christina Botkins nailed and RBI single to right field and moved to second on the throw as senior Jessica Curtis and O'Boyle were both sent home. The inning added three more runs for Villanova as they took command of a 7-1 lead.

The Scarlet Knights answered with three runs of their own in the top of the fifth inning as a series of walked batters led to the bases being loaded. RU threatened, while Villanova still held a 7-4 advantage.

The `Cats had the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth as Curtis earned an RBI walk to score freshman Stephanie Zrebiec for another insurance run.

The bottom of the sixth closed four consecutive innings of scoring for Villanova as Jelinski knocked an RBI single and sophomore Eryn Teague nailed a two RBI single into left field. The Wildcats had three runs on five hits in the inning and increased their lead to 11-4.

Rutgers threatened with a hit in the seventh, but senior hurler Nicci Ward stayed strong and junior Megan Hord came in to record the final out and give VU the 11-4 victory.

Ward threw for 6.1 innings, giving up just one run, fanning five batters.

Villanova combined for 14 hits in the second frame. Maricle went 2-for-4, Dempsey and Jelinski were 2-for-3, while Morese connected on 2-of-3 with four RBI and three runs scored.

Villanova will conclude the 2008 season on Wednesday, April 30 with a doubleheader at Temple. The first pitch is set to begin at 2:30 p.m.