NEW YORK -- Villanova softball earned the first BIG EAST Player of the Week nod of 2025 as sophomore Maranda Runco picked up top player honors on Monday afternoon. 

The sophomore led the Wildcats and conference at the plate in the opening weekend, racking up a league-best .583 average with seven hits. The Pennsylvania native maintains a five-game hit streak, totaling one base knock in each contest with a pair of two-hit outings. 

Runco's first big impact of the season was a pinch-hit grand slam against Purdue, giving the 'Cats their only lead of that ballgame. VU's designated player followed that with a two-hit, two-run, one-walk performance in the win over Abilene Christian. On Saturday, Runco rounded out her weekend with a three-hit day against a pair of ranked teams, an RBI single against No. 19 Baylor and a double plus a single versus No. 9 Texas A&M. 

It was the first conference weekly honor ever for the Mid Valley graduate, who ranks in the BIG EAST's top five for batting average, on base percentage, slugging percentage, runs batted in and hits.

Runco and the Wildcats will return to the diamond next week, participating in the Joan Joyce Classic at Florida Atlantic from Feb. 14-16.