Softball hopes to tame 'Cats

As the Penn softball team approaches the end of its season, the Quakers are focusing on improving their 0-10 Ivy League record.

However, before they have a chance to do so, the Quakers will square off against intracity rival Villanova.

The Wildcats will be no pushover. They are currently, 32-8, and are ranked in the top-10 in three NCAA Division 1 offensive and defensive categories. Most impressive is their pitching staff's almost perfect 0.73 ERA.

Suffice to say, the Quakers (12-27) will have their hands full as they head to the Villanova field for today's doubleheader.

"They're a really strong team," Penn senior co-captain Jen Moore said. "They beat Harvard twice."

The Quakers were less fortunate against the Crimson. Harvard demolished the Red and Blue last weekend, defeating the Quakers, 8-0 and 7-2, in Boston.

Though Villanova presents itself as an ominous foe, the Red and Blue remain optimistic that they can pull off an upset against the Wildcats.

"We've surprised them in the past," Moore said. " I don't think they expect much of us. We expect to win, not just keep it close."

In order to win today's games, the Quakers' need to step-up their offense and work on putting runs on the board. In their last 11 games, Penn has been outscored 69-15.

To prepare, the Red and Bluehave spent a lot of time practicing their strategy at the plate.

"We've been working on hitting well with runners in scoring position," Moore said. "And on executing on our short game."

Though Penn's offense may struggle, today's games pose to be excellent defensive battles, as both teams field strong pitching staffs and defensive squads.

In addition to their 0.73 ERA, the Wildcats' defense has a .969 fielding percentage, having committed only 36 errors in 38 games.

Villanova freshman pitcher Shannon Williams is ranked 20th in the nation with her 0.89 ERA and has struck out 90 batters in 75 innings. Junior pitcher Theresa Hornick holds a 0.73 personal ERA and has allowed a mere 13 runs in 124 2/3 innings.

The Quakers' pitching staff continues to excel, as well. Penn sophomore Nicole Borgstadt has been forced to pitch a majority of the games due to junior Becky Ranta's injury. However, freshman Zahya Hantz is also pitching for the Red and Blue.

"The pitching has been positive all year," Moore said. "We can't say enough about our pitchers. Zahya just started pitching in February. That's incredible."

Penn's pitchers will have a heavy burden on their shoulders in today's games, as the Quakers are hard-pressed for a win. They have won only one out of their last 10 games and are on course for a disappointing 30-loss season.

Despite their dismal record, the Red and Blue remain optimistic.

"Hopefully we're not getting used to losing," Moore said. "I hate losing."

A win today will surely change the team's pattern of losses and propel the Quakers into their final round of Ivy League games this weekend against Brown and Yale.

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