Villanova Softball Drops Two at Charlotte Invitational

The Wildcats fell to Virginia Tech and host Charlotte in Friday's games.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Villanova softball team lost both of its games on Friday at the Queen Invitational in Charlotte, North Carolina. They first fell 7-3 to Virginia Tech before dropping a 9-0 decision to the host Charlotte 49ers. The Wildcats struggled to generate offense against the opposing pitchers, leaving the bases loaded in multiple innings.

Why it matters

This early-season tournament provides valuable experience for the Villanova softball team as they look to bounce back from a winless start to the 2026 campaign. The losses to Virginia Tech and Charlotte highlight areas the Wildcats need to improve, such as timely hitting with runners in scoring position and more effective pitching.

The details

In the opener against Virginia Tech, Villanova starter Paige King took the loss after giving up seven runs over five innings. The Wildcats' offense was sparked by a two-run home run from Caitlyn Carr, her first of the season. Against Charlotte, starter Jenna Gallant lasted just 1.1 innings as the 49ers jumped out to an early 5-0 lead. Villanova again struggled to capitalize with the bases loaded, failing to score in those situations in both games.

  • The Villanova softball team played its games on Friday, February 13, 2026 at the Queen Invitational in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The players

Paige King

A Villanova pitcher who made her first career start in the loss to Virginia Tech.

Caitlyn Carr

A Villanova player who hit a two-run home run, her first of the season, in the loss to Virginia Tech.

Jenna Gallant

The Villanova pitcher who took the loss in the game against Charlotte, lasting just 1.1 innings.

Brooke Bowling

The starting pitcher for Charlotte who was able to escape multiple bases-loaded jams against Villanova.

Virginia Tech

The Villanova opponent who defeated the Wildcats 7-3 in the first game of the day.

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What’s next

Villanova will continue play at the Queen Invitational on Saturday, February 14, 2026, facing Virginia Tech again at 10 a.m. and then taking on Michigan State at 12:30 p.m.

The takeaway

The early-season struggles for the Villanova softball team highlight the need for the Wildcats to improve their offensive production and pitching consistency as they look to turn things around and gain momentum heading into conference play.