San Diego, Calif. — For the first time ever, Villanova's softball team is out on the West Coast. However, they are not soaking up the sun and enjoying the beach, but rather getting in some games against Mount St. Mary's, San Diego and CSUN. 

The Wildcats opened the first day of competition with back-to-back games against Mount St. Mary's and San Diego. While the matchups were close — both decided by one run — Villanova was unable to prevail, dropping both games.

A pitching duel broke out in game one against the Mountaineers and going to work for Villanova was Gabby Wenn. The senior went seven innings, allowing just four hits and striking out seven. As good as Wenn was, her opposition, Avery Neuhart, matched her pitch for pitch. Neuhart limited an explosive Villanova offense to just five hits and no runs.

After seven innings of play and the game tied at zero, extra innings were needed. 

Villanova was unable to score in the eighth, but Mount St. Mary's was able to capitalize on an error and scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the inning.

The second game against San Diego was just as close and saw the Wildcats fall, 2-1. 

Villanova scored in the fourth inning when Paige Rauch reached home on a double from Chloe Smith. However, San Diego responded by plating two the next inning. 

This is just the second time this season that Villanova has lost back-to-back games. They will be looking to right the ship on March 6 when they face Mount St. Mary's and San Diego again, this time at 2:00 p.m. ET and 7:00 p.m. ET, respectively.