Despite a promising start, the Wildcats couldn't maintain their early lead as Incarnate Word rallied back to secure the win and a series sweep.
Key moments from the game included Jack O'Reilly's two-run home run in the first inning, giving Villanova an early 2-0 lead. Cam Hassert and Dylan Dennis contributed two more runs in the first inning, extending Villanova's lead to 4-0.
However, Incarnate Word responded strongly, tying the game at 4-4 in the bottom of the first inning with four runs, including a two-run home run from Dalton Beck.
In the third inning, Tony DeJesus's single allowed Incarnate Word to take the lead 6-4, with two runners scoring. Despite efforts to narrow the gap, Villanova found themselves trailing 7-5 by the eighth inning, with Incarnate Word extending their lead with a two-run home run from Sterling Sutcliffe.
Additional highlights included O'Reilly scoring on a passed ball in the seventh inning, bringing the score to 7-5, and Villanova managing to add one more run in the ninth inning, with AJ Hansen scoring on a ground out by Scott Shaw.
Looking ahead, Villanova aims to rebound in their next challenge, a three-game series against Davidson scheduled for the upcoming weekend.
