AUBURN, Ala. – Villanova University softball started off its Saturday with a loss, falling to the Austin Peay Governors 2-0 in the first game of the day at Jane B. Moore Field.

Four players each had a base hit for Villanova (4-4), but the 'Cats could not get any runners to the plate. Peyton Schnackenberg pitched a complete game for VU, striking out five in her seven innings while allowing only five hits and two runs.

Austin Peay broke up the no-hitter and shutout in one swing, as Lexi Osowski-Anderson lifted a 3-2 pitch over the left field fence to give the Governors a 1-0 advantage in the fourth inning.

APSU added to its edge in the fifth, as the eight-hole hitter singled into right field. After a pinch runner got moved by a ground ball and stole third, a single up the middle brought the run home and got Austin Peay a two-run lead.

The Wildcats threatened in their half of the fifth inning, as Victoria Sebastian nearly knocked one out of the park, but the left fielder made an impressive catch up against the fence. Schnackenberg then doubled with two outs, but the 'Cats failed to bring her home.

Villanova made one final push at the plate in the seventh as Lilly St. Jean and Sebastian both singled, but the Wildcats couldn't scratch any runs across and suffered a defeat to the Governors.

NEXT UP: The 'Cats have a rematch against host No. 21 Auburn on Saturday afternoon, squaring off against the Tigers at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.