NEWARK, N.J.— A seven run top of the fourth inning propelled Hofstra (1-0) past Villanova (0-6) as the Wildcats fell by a final score of 15-4 on Sunday afternoon. The game was the first of two on the day between the Pride and the Wildcats at Branch Brook Park.
 
The scoring began early as Hofstra capitalized in the top of the first. Following a leadoff single and a walk, the Pride tallied three runs on a homerun by Chelsea Manto. Villanova remained poised and got out of the inning.
 
In the bottom of the first, Villanova struck back when Paige Rauch (Windsor, N.Y.) launched a full count pitch over the fence for a solo homerun. The round tripper was the first of the season for the senior.
 
The Wildcats defense was on full display in the second inning. After a leadoff Hofstra single followed by a double, the Pride had runners in scoring position with no outs. Hofstra attempted a squeeze and the Wildcats defended it perfectly as they tagged Ioppolo out sliding into home. The Wildcats would follow up with two groundballs and escape the inning with no damage.
 
Villanova carried their defensive momentum to the plate in the bottom of the second inning. Ryan Henry (Ramsey, N.J.) led off the inning by working a full count walk. Sophomore Ally Jones (Brielle, N.J.) stepped into the box and sent a 1-1 pitch out of the park which tied the game.
 
The Pride were able to manufacture a run in the top of the third inning. A leadoff single followed by a stolen base gave them a runner in scoring position with no outs. A single up the middle plated the go ahead run and Hofstra never turned back.
 
Paige Rauch and Ally Jones led the charge offensively for Villanova tallying two hits each. Senior Angela Giampolo (East Windsor, N.J.) and junior Megan Kern (Royersford, Pa.) each secured a hit on the afternoon.