Villanova Falls to Mississippi 6 – 2 in NCAA Softball Tournament
May 22, 2021 –
The Villanova Wildcats played Ole Miss for the second time in two days, and a half hour after an emotional come from behind win against UMBC. This is the challenge of playing in the NCAA Softball Championship. Under the circumstances, one that Villanova wanted. The season comes to an end with the loss to the Rebels 6 – 2 in Tucson, AZ. Mississippi will face Arizona for the Regional Championship on Sunday. Ole Miss will need two wins in one day, a challenge they will readily accept.
Ole Miss jumped out to a 4 – 0 lead in the first inning playing small ball to get their runs. Ten batters came to the plate against Nova starter Sara Kennedy who pitched 2 innings. The Wildcats had a tough task to overcome the start. Anissa Amarillas relieved for Villanova and finished the game giving up 2 runs.
Nova designated player Ally Jones continued her hot hitting sending the ball over the center field wall in the 4th inning. It was her second home run of the day.
Rebels starting pitcher Anna Borgen contained the Wildcats offense for the second day pitching 3 scoreless innings giving up 2 hits. Savannah Diederich pitched 2 innings and gave up the Nova runs. Ava Tillmann closed the game for Ole Miss.
Fun Fact: In the fifth inning both teams had a pinch hit home run, Tess Cites for Nova and Ole Miss from Kacey Hvitved.
The season of firsts concludes for Villanova with a 37 – 15 record. The team won their first Big East title, earned their initial bid to the NCAA Tournament, and posted their first tournament victory under Coach Bridget Orchard. Like the song said; this could be the start of something big.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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