March 7, 2009

Box Score

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Villanova (11-3) used a three-run sixth inning to break open a close game and earn a 4-0 victory over Loyola University Chicago (8-3) tonight at the Under Armour Invitational. The loss snaps Loyola's seven-game winning streak, which was its longest since 2003.

Loyola had a golden opportunity to draw first blood, putting runners at first and second in the top of the first inning, but was unable to dent the scoreboard. The game remained a scoreless pitcher's duel until the bottom of the fifth, when Danielle Maricle's RBI single put the Wildcats on top, 1-0.

Villanova added three insurance runs in the sixth inning to stretch the lead to 4-0, and despite a seventh-inning rally, Loyola was unable to solve `Nova starter Cailyn Delahaba, who finished with nine strikeouts.

The Ramblers offense managed six hits off of Delahaba, with junior outfielder Ellen Kresl going 2-for-3. Right-hander Amy Solava allowed only one earned run in 5.1 innings for Loyola.

Loyola wraps up play at the Under Armour Invitational tomorrow morning when it faces North Carolina State at 10 a.m. Eastern.