The Pirates (14-10, 1-1) kicked off Big East play on Saturday afternoon against Villanova (12-9, 1-1). After a thrilling win in the front end of the doubleheader, they were unable to complete the sweep and had to settle for a split.
Villanova got off to a fast start, loading the bases against starting pitcher Lauren Fischer, but Fischer was able to work out of the bases-loaded jam with back-to-back strikeouts. Despite her first-inning Houdini act, Villanova was able to get to Fischer for a two-run home run in the top of the second inning to give it the early lead.