VILLANOVA, Pa. -- The Fairfield University softball rallied from a 4-0 deficit to take the lead but the Wildcats had one more rally left in them as Villanova used a five-run sixth inning to overcome the Stags by a 9-5 score this afternoon. The loss ended Fairfield's eight-game winning streak and settled the team's record at 11-4 heading into Wednesday's doubleheader at Delaware State.

The Wildcats started the scoring in their first at bat when pitcher Paige Rauch provided herself a one-run cushion by hitting a solo homer with one out in the frame. Villanova tacked on three runs in the third inning which seemed to provide the home team with what looked an insurmountable lead at 4-0. Delaney Switzer provided the first two runs with a double to right center field and scored later in the inning when a wild pitch skipped to the backstop.

Fairfield, which has overcome leads all season long, seemed poised to challenge their host in the fourth inning when freshman Kaitlin Hoffman drove a pitch over the left center fence to cut into the lead. Lauryn Rhinehart followed Hoffman with a walk and reached scoring position when Maria Telle's grounder was mishandled to put two runners on base. Madison Robicheau took advantage of the chance and laced an opposite field single that chansed home Rhinehart and cut the deficit in half at 4-2.

In the fifth inning, Fairfield completely erased the early deficit and took a one-run lead with three more runs. Hoffman played a role in the scoring once again by ripping a two-run double to right center, tying the game at 4-4. Rhinehart gave a one-run lead to her teammates with a single that scored Mikayla Rubin, giving Fairfield its first lead of the game.

"Kaitlin had a great day at the plate today," Head Coach Julie Brzezinski said. "She stayed patient for her pitch and had good at bats. She has worked really hard and is transitioning well to the college game. She provides us some power in the middle of the lineup."

The lead was shortlived as Villanova found the game-winning rally in the sixth inning, using four hits to take control of the game. The Wildcats recaptured the lead after Angela Giampolo sent a two-run home run to left field, and finished the scoring when Julia Dacosta added a three-run homer.

Hoffman finished the game with three hits while Courtney Hankins recorded a pair of hits to pace the Fairfield offense.