Creighton University
Villanova
Softball Swept by Villanova in Doubleheader
4/2/2015 4:57:00 PM | Softball
VILLANOVA, Pa. – The Creighton softball team dropped both ends of a doubleheader by scores of 1-0 and 9-3 to Villanova to complete a three-game sweep by the Wildcats at the Villanova Softball Complex on Thursday.
Creighton (15-9, 2-5 BIG EAST) struggled at the plate, producing only three runs on the day thanks in part to a no-hitter thrown by Villanova (12-17, 4-5 BIG EAST) pitcher Kate Poppe, the third of her career, in game one of the twin bill.
The Bluejays did connect on seven hits in the nightcap and jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the third, but the Wildcats took over the lead at 3-1 in the bottom of the frame. The Jays closed to within one run at 4-3 in the top of the sixth on junior Blake Ringle's seventh home run of the season, but a five-run sixth by the 'Cats put the game out of reach.
CU junior Micaela Whitney earned the starting nod in the circle for game one of the double dip.
Both teams struggled to produce offense through the first five innings of game one, combining to strand a dozen runners to open the game.
Villanova then exploded for four runs in the bottom of the sixth frame to take a 4-0 lead. The Wildcats loaded the bases with two outs and then produced a three-RBI double and an RBI single to pile up a four run advantage.
Whitney dropped to 8-5 with the loss.
Sophomore Sydnee Eck began game two in the circle for the Bluejays.
After two scoreless innings, sophomore Anna O'Gorman doubled to right field. Freshman Sam Crowley came on to pinch run at second before a single from sophomore Allie Reinhart scored Crowley to put the Jays up 1-0 early.
Villanova rallied in the bottom of the frame with two outs, hitting a pair of RBI doubles to score three runs to build a 3-1 lead after three.
The Wildcats increased their lead to 4-1 in the bottom of the fifth after an RBI single.
Creighton closed to within one run at 4-3 in the top of the sixth with one out as senior Liz Dike drilled a double down the left field line before Ringle's homer to left center.
Villanova utilized another big sixth-inning rally in game two to manufacture five runs to secure the 9-3 final.
Eck dropped to 6-3 following the setback.
Creighton returns home for a five-game homestand next week beginning with a non-conference doubleheader against South Dakota on Wednesday afternoon. The Bluejays return to BIG EAST play against Seton Hall for a three-game set starting on April 11 at the CU Sports Complex.
