Softball Team Huddle

Softball

Trio of Newcomers Shine in Softball's First Week of Fall Season

As the first week of fall season begins for Villanova's softball team, it offers a chance for players to get back around the team and their teammates as well as bond with their new incoming teammates. 

For head coach Bridget Orchard, her focus through the fall has been getting better every day individually but also pushing each other to get better as a team. 

"The team is working hard and pushing each other to get better every day," said Orchard. "Our big focus has been on effort, accountability, and work ethic. Getting out of our comfort zones, trusting each other, competing and bringing energy every single day."

The team has already wrapped up its three scrimmages of the fall, with two being inter-squad scrimmages and the next being a contest with Binghamton on the road. 

In the match up against the Bearcats it was new transfer Julia Sullo who impressed both in the field and at the plate. Collecting a .428 batting average on seven appearances with three hits, three runs scored and a stolen base as well. 

"Julia has been everything we expected her to be," said Orchard. "Her previous coach raved about what a joy she is to coach and how she makes everyone around her better, and we've seen exactly that. She's always smiling and brings positive vibes wherever she goes. On the field, she hit lead off and played center field in our fall ball scrimmages. She consistently found ways to get on base, steal and score runs as well as running down balls in the outfield."

Sullo joins the Wildcats after spending her freshman year at Washington University in St. Louis where she was named to NFCA Second Team All-Region in addition to UAA Rookie of the Year and First Team All-UAA selection. 

With the Bears, she set a new conference record with 50 steals to go with a team best 41 runs and a program-best .464 average and 58 hits. In the field, she picked up 36 starts across 38 games while only having one error. 

Sullo isn't the only newcomer with the team this season as Orchard and her staff added seven new freshmen to the roster. All seeming to fit right into the team, its culture as well as its mindset to get better everyday. 

"Our freshmen have stepped up and gelled with the returners right away," said Orchard. "They're eager to get better and willing to do whatever it takes to make Villanova softball stronger. Our returners welcomed them immediately and pushed them to compete every day, and that's been great to see."

Two freshmen who have made the fast adjustments are both Cam Cloonan and Jullian Cianfrocca. Both hitting over .500 in the action against Binghamton in their first true collegiate action. 

Cloonan was named Villanova's top performer of the day after a stellar four RBI performance that saw her hit two home runs as well. The Dighton, Mass. native went 5-7 for a .714 batting average and scoring three runs. As for Cianfrocca, she went 3-6 from the field including three doubles for a .500 hitting percentage on the season so far. 

"Cam and Jillian both played extensive national travel ball schedules over the summer, so they were ready to go from day one," said Orchard. "Cam was our top performer the first weekend, leading the team in nearly every offensive category. Jillian swings a powerful bat and contributed offensively with three doubles in six at-bats."

Following a tough season in 2026, the team looks to bounce back with its new talent and jump out to a hot start. 
Throughout the first week of fall, the vibe around the team is special and that is the team comradery and the togetherness of the roster. 

"What makes this team special is that it's truly a team," said Orchard. "Each player adds value in her own way, whether that's in the lineup, in the circle, or in the dugout. We're grateful for the opportunity to wear Villanova across our chests."
 
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