VILLANOVA, Pa. — The Villanova softball team lost 12-9 in 10 innings to Butler Sunday at the VU Softball Complex.

The game was the 'Cats (5-22, 2-4 BIG EAST) longest inning-wise since an exact year ago, March 15, 2025, when VU defeated Creighton in 10 innings. 

Maggie King (L, 1-2) got the start for Villanova, third of her young career, pitching 6 1/3 innings, being relieved in the top of the fifth before re-entering in the top of the eighth. King walked five, struck out two and gave up six earned runs on nine hits. 

After a scoreless first inning, the 'Cats scored five runs in the bottom of the fifth, starting with back-to-back RBI singles by Jacquelyn Cox and Maddie Burrows. 

Maranda Runco then brought in the third run via a fielder's choice before Lexi Kobryn launched a two-run double to right-center to put VU up 5-0. 

The Bulldogs (10-9, 3-0) responded in the top of the third, scoring three runs to bring the deficit down to 5-3. Butler pulled within one in the top of the fourth. 

Lilly St. Jean extended the 'Cats lead to 6-4 in the bottom of the fourth after she doubled in Carly Zych.

The Bulldogs tied the game at 6-6 in the top of the 5th. However, Villanova responded with an RBI walk by Grace Reed and a Kobryn two-run single to make it a 9-6 game. 

Butler rallied in the top of the seventh and held VU at bay in the bottom of the seventh to force extra innings.

A scoreless eighth and ninth inning led to a top of the 10th which saw the Bulldogs score three to go up 12-9. 

Needing three to tie and four to win, the 'Cats fell short as Butler completed the sweep. 

Up Next

VU faces Philly area rival St. Joseph's in a midweek matchup Monday at 3:30 p.m. before travelling to Omaha, Neb. to face Creighton in a three game set.