Wildcats Split a Doubleheader with St. John's

Villanova drops game one in eight inningas and wins game two, 3-1

Jackie Dempsey had a big day at the plate.

April 27, 2008

QUEENS, N.Y. - The Villanova softball team split a doubleheader against St. John's on Sunday afternoon in Queens, N.Y. The Wildcats (18-28-1, 6-14) fell in extra innings in game one, 2-1 and came out victorious in game two, 3-1.

Senior Jackie Dempsey and junior Meghan Morese notched the team's only hits for the game.

Dempsey singled in the top of the fourth, but was out at second after being caught stealing.

The Red Storm struck first with a homerun in the bottom of the fourth inning jumping out to a 1-0 lead.

Villanova tied the game in the seventh inning when Morese sailed a homerun to left field and keeping the `Cats alive.

An RBI double to left center from St. John's would give them the 2-1 victory.

The Wildcats' offense was warmed up for the second game, combining for eight hits. Senior Nicci Ward threw for seven innings, giving up just one run on six hits and fanning six batters.

It was Villanova to get on the board first as sophomore Danielle Maricle doubled to left center and was in scoring position. As Dempsey reached on a fielder's choice, Maricle was thrown out at third. Dempsey was able to reach homeplate on a miscue from the Red Storm, giving Villanova a 1-0 advantage.

Freshman Kirsten Jelinski launched a lead off homer into right field in the top of the fourth inning to add to the Wildcats' lead at 2-0.

Villanova added an insurance run in the fifth inning as senior Lisa Curran bunted to score Dempsey, who was walked to get on base and increase the Wildcats lead at 3-0.

St. John's threatened in the sixth inning with an RBI single to the right side, scoring the lead off batter who was walked to begin the inning. Ward did not give up another run, striking out the last at-bat.

Dempsey was 2-for-3 with two runs scored, while Jelinski was 2-for-3 with one run. Maricle, Curran, sophomore Jess O'Boyle and freshman Christina Botkins accounted for the remaining hits.

The Wildcats will conclude the conference season on Tuesday, April 29, when they host Rutgers. The doubleheader will begin at 2:30 p.m.

Villanova University