FAYETTEVILLE, Ar. — Villanova softball took to Arkansas on Feb. 28 to take on some of the top teams in the country. On the first day of the Woo Pig Classic, the Wildcats took on No. 23 Baylor and No. 22 Arkansas. 

Although the season is still young, Villanova earned a signature win when they took down the Bears, 7-3. Paige Rauch got the start in the circle, and made quick work of Baylor in the first inning. Offensively, the Wildcats wasted no time getting a run from Rauch in their first turn at bat. However, the Bears would answer in the top of the second. 

Villanova made its move in the third, tallying six runs and going ahead 7-1. Baylor added two runs in the sixth, but were shut down by the Wildcats in the late goings. 

Rauch earned her eighth win of the season in the contest. In 6.2 innings, the junior recorded four strikeouts and just two earned runs. Victoria Sebastian came in late to close out the game, forcing the last batter to ground out. 

Megan Kern tied with Caroline Jones for a team-high two hits, but it was Jones who led the team with three RBI. 

In game two, the Wildcats were stymied by the Razorbacks, 11-1. Rauch recorded her eighth home run of the season to give Villanova its run. 

The Wildcats are 9-8 on the season and return to action tomorrow against Kent State and Arkansas.