VILLANOVA, Pa. – An all-around team performance lifted the Villanova Wildcats over the Iona Gaels on Friday evening, by a final score of 8-4 to kick off the series.

Senior centerfielder AJ Hansen smashed a leadoff solo home run over the left wall in the bottom of the first to get the 'Cats on the board. Graduate third baseman Steve Grober had a quality day at the plate going 2-for-4 with two hits, one run, and two runner batted in.

Entering the game for starter Chic DeGaetano was Luke Dziados. The senior transfer 2.1 innings, allowing only one run while striking out one and earning the win on the day. The standout pitcher of the game was Stephen Turzai, the graduate transfer from Franklin & Marshall. Turzai came in to close the game out for the last 2.2 innings. He had five punchouts and did not allow any hits or runs throughout his time on the hill. Turzai fanned the last three batters of the game in a row to finish out the victory for the 'Cats.

The Gaels struck blood first to start the game with two men on, Jake Field had a strong hit up the middle to score the first run of the game. Villanova got out of the top by way of a routine double play. A leadoff homer by Hansen got things started allowing the Wildcats tie the score 1-1 by the end of the first.  
 
Iona responded with a leadoff home run of their own by Luca Lotito to kick off the second inning. Iona extended their lead 3-1 with a single to right center by Anthony Zollo to score Josiah Ragsdale from second. Villanova managed to get two runners into scoring position, but they were left on with no runs tallied in the bottom of the inning.
 
With nothing across the board for the Gaels in the top of the third, Villanova had a chance to take the game back. First baseman Jack O'Reilly singled to right center to get on with one out. Shortstop Craig Larsen reached first on a fielder's choice and O'Reilly was safe at second due to a fielding error by the second baseman. John Whooley, the designated hitter, walked to load up the bases. The Gaels starting pitcher Teo Torrado hit Shane Solari by the pitch to bring O'Reilly home. Grober hit a big single through the right side to score both Larsen and Whooley to take the 4-3 lead. Catcher Will Reiner also walked and Solari scored on the wild pitch ball four. Torrado was replaced by Loncey Conyers who walked three batters in a row for the 'Cats to take a 7-3 lead over the Gaels to end the third.
 
After a big third innings for the Wildcats, the Gaels were able to trim the lead down to a 7-4 game when Jayson Gonzalez hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score Anthony Febo. Villanova was held scoreless by new pitcher Michael Lorenzetti who entered the game for Conyers to get Iona out of the third innings. Lorenzetti tossed for 2.1 innings striking out three 'Cats during his time on the hill.
 
Both Villanova and Iona remained scoreless until the bottom of the eighth when Solari hit a deep sacrifice fly to center field to score Larsen on the play to extend the Wildcats lead to a comfortable 8-4. Turzai closed out the game in 1-2-3 fashion and the 'Cats earned their third win of the season.
 
"I thought we took advantage of the opportunities we had on offense. Um, I liked how the bullpen came in and threw strikes. I liked how the bullpen competed, specifically Steven Turzai coming in and shutting the door for us. I thought he did a phenomenal job," said head coach Kevin Mulvey. "It was a great team win. Good way to start off the weekend, two games left. Looking forward to that on Sunday."
 
UP NEXT: The 'Cats return to action for a doubleheader to conclude the series versus Iona on Sunday Match 26. Game one first pitch is set for 12 pm. Streaming will be available on FloSports. 
 

Player Quotes:
"I felt I felt great. Uh, a lot of credit to Will Reiner behind the plate too. And Coach Weaver did a great job calling pitches and, uh, all three of us together executed and, um, defense was good behind me. Clutch, double play there when I came in. So, whole team effort and, uh, hopefully you can get two more this weekend." #28 Stephen Turzai (pitcher)

"The first at bat felt good. I was looking for a good pitch to hit early in the count, he gave me one, and I put a good swing on it. I wish we had a better day overall as an offense, but we keep working and get better every day." #1 AJ Hansen (center fielder)