Game 23 Final Score
Villanova (9-13) – 10
Monmouth (7-16) – 5
 
PHILADELPHIA – The Monmouth University Softball offense produced 10 hits and battled back late, but a big third inning by Villanova proved too much to overcome as the Hawks fell 10-5 on Wednesday afternoon at the Villanova Softball Complex.
 
Monmouth saw strong performances at the plate from Jayla Cadena, who went 3-for-4, and Clare Picone, who added two hits, including a double. Kylee McLain drove in two runs, while Gabby Gesualdo, Gianna Stern, and Lexi Castaneda each recorded an RBI.
 
The Hawks struck first in the opening frame when Gesualdo single through the left side bring home Samantha Miller. Villanova responded quickly with three runs in the bottom half.
 
Trailing 10-1 after the Wildcats' seven-run third inning, the Hawks showed resilience with a pair of runs in the fourth. McLain ripped a two RBI double. Stern added a run-scoring single in the fifth inning, followed by a Castaneda RBI groundout to cut to Wildcat lead to five.
 
Olivia Lewis settled things down in relief, holding Villanova scoreless over the final three frames while allowing just two hits and striking out one.
 
Up Next
The Hawks host Drexel in its home opener on Friday, March 14. The game will be broadcast live on FloCollege at a 2 p.m.