March 8, 2002
ORLANDO, FLA. ---- Villanova sophomore Ricci Lugo (Can Clemente, Calif.) was able to do what only one other player in the Wildcat softball program's history has done: hit for the cycle. In Villanova's 6-0 victory over Sacred Heart on Friday afternoon, March 8, Lugo went 4-for-4 on the day with a single, double, triple and home run, driving in four of the Wildcats six runs. With one day remaining in the Rebel Spring Games in Orlando, Fla., Villanova stands at 8-2 on the year.
GAME #1: Lehigh 2, VILLANOVA 0 The Wildcats dropped a 2-0 decision to Lehigh in their first game of the day. Lehigh's Jenny Bender (Flemington, N.J.) went the distance, only allowing a single walk and seven hits. Lehigh combined for ten hits, with Shana Treon leading the offensive attack going 4-for-4. Treon recorded three singles and a double as the Mountain Hawks handed the Wildcats (7-2) their second loss of the tournament.
GAME #2: VILLANOVA 6, Sacred Heart 0
In game two Lugo helped the Wildcats get things started right from the get go, leading off with a double to start the game. With one out, junior Sara Carlson (Langley, B.C.) drove a double into right-center field scoring Lugo and Robin Flier (Lafayette, Calif.), to give Villanova a 2-0 lead after the first inning.
In the top of the third, Lugo led things off again, but this time with a solo-home run, her fifth home run of the season, to give Villanova a 3-0 lead.
The 'Cats rallied to score three more runs in the top of the fourth. With the bases loaded, Lugo stepped to the plate and drove a triple down the line, clearing the bases. It was her first triple was the first of her career.
In her final at-bat of the afternoon, Lugo lined a single up the middle to complete the feat and become the second player to hit for the cycle in a game, and tied a school record with four hits in a game.
Earning the victory for the Wildcats was freshman Kari Koller (Rocklin, Calif.) who relieved classmate Shannon Williams (Allentown, Pa.) after the first inning. Koller threw three innings of relief and allowed only one hit. Williams re-entered the game in the fifth inning to close the game for the Wildcats throwing three innings of no-hit relief. Williams earned the save.
Villanova completes its trip tomorrow on Saturday, March 9, when they face Colorado St. at 12:30 p.m., followed by a rematch with Fairfield at 4:10 p.m.
For more information regarding the Villanova softball program, please contact Media Relations Assistant, Kevin Fischer, at 610.519.6460 or via email at kevin.fischer@villanova.edu.
