Orlando, Fla. -- Villanova opened up the Knights Classic Feb. 14 with games against Penn State and Iowa State. Despite it being Valentine's Day, the Wildcats showed no love to the competition.

Taking on Penn State first, it took little time to get on the scoreboard. Paige Rauch recorded her fourth home run of the year, sending the ball flying over the left field wall. Her success continued defensively, pitching a complete game with just four hits and 11 strikeouts.

Villanova extended its lead in the third inning when Angela Giampolo scored from second on a single from Chloe Smith, but the Nittany Lions would not go away quietly. In the bottom of the third, Penn State hit back-to-back home runs with two outs. However, Villanova would get out of the inning without any further damage. 

Entering the seventh with a 3-2 lead, Villanova was looking to secure its first win of the weekend. After loading the bases, but not getting a run in, it was up to the Wildcat defense to close out the game. 

With two outs, Penn State put two runners on. However, they were shut down by Rauch and the Wildcats took the win. It was Rauch's fourth victory of the season.

Shortly after that game ended, Villanova was back up to take on Iowa State. 

Sara Kennedy drew the start and made quick work of the Cyclones in the first inning, getting the first three batters out. On the flipside, the Wildcats wasted no time and got on the board when Giampolo reached home on a wild pitch. 

The second inning was when Iowa State came to life. A combination of walks and an error helped the Cyclones to three-run second inning. 

It was not until the fifth that Villanova got back on the board. Giampolo crossed home once more, this time thanks to her first home run of the season. 

Iowa State added a fourth run in the top of the seventh inning, but it did not completely bury the Wildcats. Giampolo started the bottom of the seventh with a single, and then advanced to second when Rauch singled. After Giampolo got out on a fielder's choice, Rauch scored when Megan Kern doubled to left field. After a strikeout, Ryan Henry went to bat. With the winning runs on base, Henry was unable to make contact, ending the game.

Villanova is now 4-3 on the season. They return to action on Feb. 15 with games against Florida Atlantic (9:00 a.m.) and Central Florida (3:30 p.m.).