Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (Mar. 8, 2016) --- Delaware State allowed just five hits and one earned run, but Villanova's pitchers were just a little better in the Wildcats' 2-1 victory over the Hornets today.

Villanova starter Jonathan Rosero (2-0) tossed six shutout innings, allowing just two hits and striking out three to earn the win.

Three Wildcat relievers held the Hornets to two hits and one run.

Delaware State starter Jaylen Zielecki (0-1) was the tough-luck loser after allowing an unearned run without a hit in the bottom of the first inning. That was the only run Zielecki gave up in four innings. The only hit Villanova had off the Hornet starter was a third inning single.

Villanova added a run in the fifth off DSU reliever Garrett Coverdale to open up a 2-0 lead.    

The Hornets scored one in the top of the seventh inning to cut the Wildcats' lead in half.

Austin Bentley led off the DSU seventh with a single, but was cut down at second base on a steal attempt. The next batter, Jacob Bartlett, singled and advanced to second on a walk to Sam Barber. Rich Rountree followed with a single through the hole in right to score Bartlett and trim Villanova's lead to 2-1. DSU had runners on third and second later in the inning, but failed to get another run across.

The Hornets still trailed 2-1 when Bentley walked to lead off the ninth inning. Devin Beverly followed with a sacrifice bunt to move Bentley to second, but he was erased later in the inning on an attempted steal of third.  Villanova closer Kagan Richardson retired DSU's Evan Regez on a ground out to end the game.

Rountree had two of Delaware State's four hits in the game.

Villanova improved to 3-9 on the season, while DSU is winless in 12 games.

The Hornets will return to action on Friday (Mar. 11) for their 2016 home opener against Marist. Game time is 2 p.m. at Soldier Field. The teams will also play single games on Saturday (1 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.).