May 5, 2007

Box Score

Villanova, Pa. - In the first game of a doubleheader with the DePaul University Blue Demons, the Villanova Wildcats ran into a very determined team and a very difficult pitcher in Tracie Adix. The Blue Demons turned a close game after three innings into a 9-0 win in six innings over the Wildcats behind the stellar pitching of Adix, who allowed just one hit.

DePaul got an RBI double in the first inning off Villanova starting pitcher Nicci Ward, but that was all they would be able to get in the first three innings, as Ward escaped with no more damage.

Villanova's lone threat came in the bottom of the second when they got, what turned out to be their only hit of the game, a double to deep left center from Meghan Morese. Morese advanced to third on a swinging bunt from Jess O'Boyle.

But Morese would be stranded at third as the `Cats (25-28-1, 5-14) were unable to get the key hit to bring her in to score.

The Blue Demons went on to add two more runs in the fourth, four in the fifth an two more in the sixth while keeping Villanova off the board to preserve the shutout.

Ward (5-8) took the loss for Villanova, going the first five innings and giving up seven runs (six earned) on nine hits with two walks and five strikeouts.

Megan Hord came on to pitch the sixth, allowing two runs on two hits.

DePaul (37-10, 17-0) was led by Amber Patton's three hits while Marcy Wilus drove in two runs with her two hits in the game.

The only other batter to reach base against Adix, who entered the game with the second best ERA in the BIG EAST at 0.88, was Cassie Koenig when she got hit by a pitch in the fourth inning.

Just before the start of the game, Cassie Koenig and Sheri Donley were honored for their four years as part of the Villanova softball program.