Villanova, Pa. - The Villanova softball team (24-13, 9-3 BIG EAST) will head to Central New Jersey this Wednesday for a non-conference doubleheader against the Rider University Broncs.

Game one will start at 3:00 p.m. with game two to follow at 5:00 p.m.

Since being swept at DePaul March 25-26, the Wildcats have reeled off 15 straight wins and have won six straight BIG EAST games.

After their sweep of Creighton this past weekend, Villanova currently sits second in the BIG EAST behind first place DePaul (20-21, 10-1 BIG EAST).

On Monday, sophomore Nikki Alden was named BIG EAST Softball Player of the Week while senior pitcher Kate Poppe and junior third baseman Lauren Herschberg earned weekly honor roll honors.

Alden had a monster week at the plate going 5-for-13 (.384) with seven RBI's, four homeruns, and four runs scored. Alden's four homeruns came against conference foe Creighton. Her slugging percentage was at a whopping 1.308. Alden is hitting .366 on the year with a team high seven homeruns.

Poppe (16-9) continues to have a sensational year in the circle. The Downingtown, Pa. native was 4-0 for the week and compiled an ERA of 0.70 in 30.0 innings pitched. Overall, she struck out 36 batters to raise her season total 152. Poppe is now Villanova's all-time leader in complete games with 76. Her ERA on the season is at 2.75. Her 16 wins is tops in the conference.

Herschberg was 9-for-21(.429) with five RBI's, one homeruns, and two doubles last week. Herschberg, who hails from Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., is hitting a team-high .384 on the year, and she leads Villanova in hits with 48. She currently has a 14-game hitting streak.

As a team, Villanova leads the conference in hitting (.314), slugging percentage (.446), RBI's (196) and ERA (3.24). The 'Cats rank 11th nationally in fielding percentage (.974)

Live Stats

Rider Games - Link

A Glimpse of the Broncs

It's been a struggle for Rider this season as they enter play Wednesday at 5-28 overall and 2-6 in MAAC play. They were swept at Lafayette this past weekend.

Dana Sensi is the offensive pacesetter for Rider. The senior is hitting .337 in 101 at-bats this season. She leads the team in RBI's with 17, hits with 34, and is tied for the team lead in homeruns with three.

In the circle, the Broncs are led by Delaney DeMello. The junior from Roseville, Calif. is 2-3 on the year with an ERA of 4.40. She is tied for second on the team in strikeouts with 17.

Be sure to follow the team socially on Twitter @VUSoftball, Instagram @novasoftball and Facebook to stay up to date with the latest news scores and highlights from the Wildcats throughout the season.