May 6, 2007

Box Score

Villanova, Pa. - In game two of the doubleheader with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Villanova Wildcats put up a valiant effort to end their season on a winning note. But in the end, it was the Irish that got the key hits when they needed them late in the game to get the 4-2 win to end Villanova's season.

With the loss, Villanova ends their season with an overall record of 25-31-1, and a BIG EAST record of 5-17. Notre Dame, who now stands at 29-21 overall and 13-7 in conference play, will continue their season next weekend at the BIG EAST Tournament where they are the host school.

Villanova starting pitcher Kat Walsh had some control problems early but was able to get out of the first three innings with no damage done. She stranded six Notre Dame baserunners while allowing just two hits over the first three innings.

The Wildcats would stake Walsh to an early 1-0 lead thanks a solo home run by Eryn Teague deep over the fence in right field, her sixth home run of the year.

But in the fourth inning, the Walks would come back to get Walsh, as a bases loaded walk would push across the tying run for the Irish.

Notre Dame would get their offense on track in the fifth inning, scored three runs with the big blow coming from starting pitcher Brittney Bargar. Bargar helper her own cause by hitting a two-run double to left field to give the Irish a 4-1 lead.

Villanova would chip away at the lead in the sixth on an infield single from Danielle Maricle that plated a run to cut the Notre Dame lead to 4-2.

But Bargar would buckle down in the seventh to retire the Wildcats after allowing a single and walk to give Villanova a chance.

Walsh (6-9) would get the loss for Villanova, pitching the first five innings and giving up four runs on five hits. But the eight walks issued proved to be too much to overcome in defeat.

Nicci Ward pitched the final two innings and allowed just one hit while striking out three to keep Villanova within striking distance.

Bargar (20-12) went the distance in the circle for Notre Dame, giving up two runs on four hits to go along with five strikeouts and two walks.