Villanova softball upsets Cornerstone despite injuries
by Misty Volaski

The Villanova Wildcat softball team (4-2 overall, 1-2 in the Condor League) defeated Cornerstone Christian Saturday at Villanova. It marked the first time Villanova has defeated Cornerstone in four years.
Wildcat pitcher Katie Jones (2-1) allowed only four hits and had four strikeouts in the win. The Wildcat offense was led by seniors Kristen Handley and Brittany Fletcher. Handley (.615) went three for four with one RBI, while Fletcher went two for three with an RBI. Freshman Connelly Jenks (.313) went two for four with an RBI. Pitcher Jones (.556) helped herself with a hit and two stolen bases, and teammate Jessica Campbell also scored two runs.
Coach Bob Malkin praised Campbell, saying she is an outstanding lead-off batter. "She has a great eye and gets on base." Campbell's on-base percentage is .550, and batting average is .308. She leads the team in stolen bases with 12.
Several of Villanova's starting players were injured and did not start, which many thought would bring Villanova to the loss.
Senior first baseman Beth Schey, one of the team's top hitters, has been sidelined with an injury since the first game. Malkin said she would probably return after Easter Break. Tiffany Adams, one of the Lady Wildcats' catchers, has been filling in for Schey.
Malkin stresses to anyone who asks that he has some outstanding student athletes on the team - some of whom are standouts in basketball, volleyball or soccer, but who do not have much, if any, softball experience. This includes starting sophomore outfielders Erika Madison, Katie Parziale and Erica Helson. Malkin said, "They are remarkably quick and have made some fantastic catches and have kept runners from potential extra base hits with their speed and athleticism."
The Lady Wildcats will play at Cate April 9 after Villanova's Spring Break.

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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