February 27, 2000

Boca Raton, Fla. - The Villanova University softball team continued its spring break Florida tour with a thrilling extra-inning victory over powerful Florida State. The 3-2 win over the Seminoles, who entered the game receiving the thirty-second most votes to be ranked in the country, upped the 'Cats 2000 record to 3-2.

Florida State started the game's scoring in the third inning when FSU's Andi Lyons led off the inning by being hit by a Carrie Walpole pitch. Lyons advanced to second on a fielder's choice, and then to third base on another groundout. The next batter walked and stole second base, setting up a second and third situation with two outs. The Seminoles' Felicia Williams then singles home the game's first run, giving FSU a 1-0 advantage. After a walk to load the bases, Walpole beared down and struck out the next FSU hitter to end the inning.

Florida State would take a 2-0 lead with another run in the fourth inning without getting a hit. Two walks, two steals, and passed ball accounted for FSU's second run.

Finally, in the top of the sixth inning, Villanova got on the board. Junior Gina DeFrancesco started things off with a walk and was pinch-run for by fellow junior Janna Bullock. After infielder Jackie Pasquerella moved Bullock to second base with a groundout back to the pitcher, senior centerfielder Mia Brickhouse reached on a base hit to put runners at the corners. Brickhouse then stole second with senior slugger Megan O'Leary at the plate. O'Leary delivered a two-run double to tie the score and the 'Cats were back in business.

After neither team scored in the seventh inning, the game headed to extra-innings for already the third time this season for Villanova. The Wildcats came to the plate first in the eighth with Josey Mikulyuk starting on second base. DeFrancesco then sacrificed her to third base. Brickhouse then came to the plate with two outs and smoothly stroked a single up the middle to score the eventual game-winning run. Florida State would threaten in its half inning with a runner on third with one out. The next FSU batter hit a line drive to leftfield that freshman Kailyn Bergstrom made a great catch to save the run. Freshman pitcher Teresa Hornick, who would pick up the win, struck out the final hitter to end the game 3-2 in favor of the Wildcats.