JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After months of waiting, Villanova softball is finally back in action. On Feb. 7, the Wildcats took on San Diego State as part of the River City Leadoff. While It took a few innings to shake off some rust, Villanova was able to down the Aztecs, 5-4.
 
Chloe Smith got things started in the top of the fourth, registering her first collegiate home run and getting the Wildcats on the board. Paige Rauch, Megan Kern, Anissa Amarillas and Smith all crossed home in the fifth inning to give Villanova a commanding 5-0 lead.
 
However, the Aztecs would answer with a run of their own in the bottom of the fifth, scoring on a passed ball. They added two more runs to their total in the sixth to make it a 5-3 ballgame.  
 
After a quick and scoreless inning by the Wildcats, San Diego State had a chance to make things interesting in the final inning.

Although the Aztecs were able to get their first two runners on base, they were only able to manufacture one run. The game ended on a ground out to second base.
 
Rauch picked up her first win of the season on the mound, pitching six innings and allowing three runs, one of which was earned. Amarillas came on in the final inning, facing five batters and allowing one run.
 
Villanova racked up six hits on the day, with Smith leading the way with two. She and Caroline Jones each had two RBI. They will look to keep things rolling as they take on San Diego State again on Feb. 8 at 10:00 a.m.