April 21, 2010
Box Score
LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. - It was a rainy afternoon at Rider, but the Villanova softball team (18-24) defeated Rider, 6-5, in non-conference action Wednesday at Herb/Joan Young Field.
The second game of the doubleheader was called in the fourth inning due to heavy rain.
On the mound, sophomore Molly Manning threw a complete game and struck out five batters to earn her 10th win this season. Manning also led the Wildcats offensively going 3-for-4 at the plate, including a two-run homerun, and had two runs.
Freshman Valerie Ortega continued to hit well going 2-for-3 with one run scored. Senior Jess O'Boyle, junior Christina Botkins, sophomores Kristi Burlin and Jamie O'Hara and freshman Amanda Marquez each recorded one hit.
Rider got on the board first in the bottom of the third inning with two runs, but Villanova responded to tie the game in the top of the fourth. Ortega walked to lead off the inning and moved to second on an error after Manning reached base on a fielder's choice. Both runners moved up a base after a single from Marquez. Manning scored on a single from Botkins and Marquez was walked in for the second run.
Rider scored again to regain the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning, but the `Cats once again came back to put two runs on the board and regain a 4-3 lead as O'Boyle homered to left field and Oretega scored on a wild pitch.
Villanova extended its lead to 6-3 in the top of the seventh as Ortega led off with a single to right field and Burlin followed with a single. Manning hit a blast to right centerfield as she and Burlin came home.
Rider threatened in the bottom of the seventh putting two runs on the board, but Manning worked her way out of the inning and Villanova took the victory.
The Wildcats travel to Notre Dame for a three-game series this weekend. A doubleheader on Saturday begins at noon and a single game on Sunday is slated for 11:00 a.m.
