JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Wildcats earned their first win of the series and the season over North Florida (UNF) in a close 2-1 victory. The win went to Chic DeGaetano, and the save was awarded to Patrick Montfort.

A scoreless first inning made room for an exciting top of the second for Villanova starting with a Jack O'Reilly single up the middle followed by Steve Grober clipping a single of his own up the left line. O'Reilly turned the jets on and took third. Catcher John Whooley put the ball in play and sent O'Reilly home for the first run of the game.

Villanova scored again in the top of the fourth to extend their lead after O'Reilly hit a huge double to center field sending Cameron Hassert in for the run. Hassert had found his way on first previously due to a walk.

It wasn't until the bottom of the fifth that UNF was able to get on the board starting the half inning off with a double to left center field by Austin Brinling. Bringling was fast on the basepath and made his way home for the first Osprey run of the game off a single from teammate Peyton Sybrandt.

Villanova retained their lead for the remainder of the game and prevented any more UNF runs to be scored.

The difference maker in todays competition was the 'Cats unwavering defense from beginning to end paired with the pitching staff coming through as a whole. The defense gelled in the field, and it showed in the box score.

There were some great high IQ plays in the field starting with a nice double play by Hassert, Craig Larsen, and O'Reilly to get the 'Cats out of the first inning. Later third baseman Grober made a smart fielder's choice decision in the bottom of the fourth to throw a runner out at home to catcher John Whooley to keep the Osprey from scoring. There was also a strong pickoff in the bottom of the seventh from pitcher Cabot Maher to O'Reilly to Larsen to end the inning.

Not to mention the how on point the gloves were in the outfield. Center fielder AJ Hansen had four putouts on the day with Paul Cooke and August Biggio amassing one a piece in left and right field.

Villanova has a large pitching staff this year and are not afraid to utilize it's many assets. Sal Fusco started the game pitching the first two inning only allowing one
hit. DeGaetano came in for Fusco in the bottom of the third tossing a total of 3.1 innings. Only striking out one, DeGaetano was able to get the ball in play and had great backup in the field to get the job done.

The strong effort of Montfort, who took over for Maher, kept the 'Cats in the game and denied UNF the ability to score up until the last pitch. Montfort had a season of strikeouts taking down four batters including the last out of the game to secure a Wildcat win. Montfort earned his first ever career save over his 2.1 innings pitched.

The 'Cats return tomorrow Saturday Feb. 25, first pitch is set for a 2:05 p.m. Fans can watch live on the UNF livestream.