Creighton University’s softball team achieved its third consecutive walk-off victory on March 22, defeating Villanova 10-1 in a run-rule game and completing a series sweep. Sophomore Tara Vandewater ended the game with a two-run home run over the right field wall.
The win improved Creighton’s record in the BIG EAST conference to 7-2 and their overall record to 15-17. Villanova’s overall record dropped to 6-25, with a league record of 2-7. The Bluejays started strong, scoring four runs in the first inning, including a leadoff home run by freshman Zoey Greenwood—her team’s second leadoff homer of the season.
Junior Avery Barnard contributed with a double, while Lily West singled and later scored on Kaelan Schultz’s sacrifice fly. Erika Perez added an RBI single before she and Vandewater executed a double steal for another run. Villanova responded in the third inning when Carly Zych doubled and scored on Maranda Runco’s RBI single, but Creighton extended its lead through an RBI groundout from Ashten Pierson and an RBI double by Vandewater.
In the fifth inning, Pierson led off with a bunt single, advanced on sacrifices, and scored on a passed ball. West doubled and came home on Schultz’s RBI single before Vandewater hit her decisive home run. Four Bluejays had two hits each; Vandewater led with three RBIs and two runs scored. Freshman pitcher Audrey Gilman earned her eighth win of the season by striking out six batters in a complete-game effort.
Creighton is scheduled to play again on Wednesday, March 25 at Connie Clausen Field against Omaha.
