LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A remarkable sophomore campaign saw another accolade added on Thursday afternoon as Maranda Runco was named 3rd Team All-East Region by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
The designated player received the honor from the NFCA after a dominant offensive season for the Wildcats, earning an All-BIG EAST First Team selection after setting the Villanova single season home run record with a 20-bomb season.
In 2025, Runco picked up one league Player of the Week honor and three mentions on the Weekly Honor Roll after pacing Villanova's lineup in multiple categories. The sophomore slashed .375/.475/.829 on the year with 57 hits while leading the 'Cats in runs batted in (48), total bases (126) and walks (27) as well as home runs.
The Olyphant, Pa., native led the BIG EAST in slugging percentage as the only player above 1.000 in conference play while setting a league record with 12 homers in the BIG EAST slate.
Runco totaled 15 multi-hit games at the plate for the Wildcats while also making 14 appearances as a pitcher, striking out nine batters in 23.2 innings with two wins on her ledger.
