Port Charlotte, Fla. - Villanova's bullpen wasn't quite as stellar as it had been through the first two weeks and allowed some late offense by the Northeastern Huskies (4-3) that proved to be the difference in a 7-3 Villanova (3-4) loss.
 
Jimmy Kingsbury turned in his second consecutive quality start, going 7.0 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K. The junior posted season highs in both innings pitched and strikeouts while not allowing a free pass for the first time this season as well.
 
Villanova wasted no time putting runs on the board. After a lead-off walk to Chris Rotondo and a single by Ryan Toohers, freshman Lucas Latrenta brought everybody in with a three-run home run. The first of his career gave Villanova a 3-0 lead after one.
 
Northeastern got it back quickly with a home run of their own in the top of the second to pull to 3-1.
 
The Huskies pulled a little closer in the top of the fourth on a sac fly to make it just a one run game.
 
Northeastern eventually tied and took the lead in the eighth. As good as the bullpen has been, today wasn't its day. Cam Mathes allowed three baserunners before being pulled. Danny Wilkinson again pitched well in a jam, but allowed two runs to cross before leaving the bases loaded with a strikeout and flyout.
 
The Huskies added two more in the ninth with a two-run home run add some insurance and make it 7-3.
 
Villanova battled in the ninth and managed to load the bases with one out for the heart of the order. Toohers grounded into a fielder's choice to plate one run and cut the deficit to three, but that was as close as it would get, with the final score being 7-4.
 
Chris Rotondo had a big day at the plate, with a pair of hits and three walks to safely reach five times, a new career high. He reached base four times on three occasions last season.
 
Villanova returns to action tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m. for game two of the Snowbird Classic against Eastern Michigan.