The University of Pennsylvania softball team lost to Villanova, 16-11, in a non-conference game on April 22. The defeat leaves Penn with a record of 16-11, while Villanova improves to 11-35.
The game was notable for its high offensive output from both teams. Penn recorded a season-high 18 hits, and six Quakers players had multi-hit games. Gigi Ganje and Jade Montgomery each contributed three runs batted in during the matchup.
Villanova took an early lead with home runs by Maranda Runco and Ava Mahnken, building a quick advantage. Penn responded with scoring plays from Megan Huang and Delaney Smith but struggled defensively in the fourth inning when errors allowed two Wildcats runs. Despite these setbacks, Jade Montgomery drove in another run for Penn that inning.
The fifth inning saw both teams produce significant offense. Villanova scored seven runs through various means including base hits and home runs. In response, the Quakers matched with seven runs of their own as Ganje and Montgomery delivered key singles and Hannah Graveline added one of her four hits for an RBI.
Ultimately, Penn could only add one more run compared to four additional Wildcat scores as the game ended at 16-11. The team will now turn its attention to an upcoming Ivy League series against Columbia this weekend.
