San Diego, Calif. — Villanova softball took on San Diego State  in early February for its first two contests of the year. While the Wildcats took the first game on Feb. 7, 5-4, they dropped the second game of the series, 8-4. On March 4, Villanova had a chance to go up against the Aztecs once more and take the season series before spending the weekend playing at the University of San Diego Tournament.

After leading 4-3 after three innings, the Wildcats busted things open in the sixth with a six-run inning. It was that outburst that led Villanova over the Aztecs, 11-4.

Becky Ducar got things started in the second, doubling to right center and bringing Julia DaCosta and Sydney Hayes to score. However, San Diego State quickly answered with two runs the next inning. Paige Rauch recorded her NCAA-leading 11th home run of the season in the third, while Megan Kern registered her first homer of the year in the third to give the Wildcats a 4-2 lead. The Aztecs once again were able to answer, however this time just plating one runner. 

Two scoreless innings went by, but that was broken up by Hayes when she launched her third home run of the year over the left field wall. By the end of the sixth, Villanova led, 10-3. During the inning, the Wildcats recorded six runs on three hits and an error. 

A late home run by the Aztecs brought the game within six, but the lead was never threatened. Rauch got the start in the circle and responded by going a full seven innings, allowing just four hits, three earned runs and striking out seven. 

Hayes led all players with four hits and three RBI, while Ducar was close behind with three hits and two RBI. Four players tallied two runs each. Villanova was walked eight times with DaCosta getting to first on balls on three occasions. 

The Wildcats have won back-to-back games for the third time this season. They will be looking to get their third in a row on March 5 when they take on Mount St. Mary's at 2:00 p.m. ET and San Diego at 4:30 p.m. ET.