March 4, 2000

Ft. Myers, Fla. -- The Villanova University softball team returned to action today to square off with the University of Buffalo in doubleheader action. The Wildcats overwhelmed Buffalo with dominant pitching and potent hitting as the 'Cats took both games by the scores of 10-0 and 12-0. The two victories up Villanova season record to 7-5.

The Wildcats blew the first game open early as they exploded for six runs in their half of the second inning. The highlight of the inning was junior Gina DeFrancesco's three-run home run that scored Megan O'Leary and Sara Carlson. Villanova padded its lead in the fourth when four more runs came home. DeFrancesco delivered her fourth RBI of the game, while Carlson smacked a two-run double that plated junior Jackie Pasquerella and O'Leary.

On the pitching side of game one, senior Carrie Walpole was fantastic, allowing one hit and striking out six in five innings to earn the win. Freshman Teresa Hornick came on in relief and shutout Buffalo in the final inning.

The day's second game was more of the same as the Wildcats scored at least two runs in all five innings. O'Leary had a huge game as she doubled home two runners in the first inning and came back in the second inning to crack a two-run homer. O'Leary's long ball, the 17th of her fine career, tied the all-time at Villanova. Eight different Wildcat batters were credited with at least one RBI in the game as they trounced Buffalo 12-0. Junior Keri Stoller picked up the win as she struck out seven batters in just three innings of work.

Villanova will return to action to face the University of Toledo tomorrow, Sunday, March 5.