Mackenzie Waghorn

Softball

Wildcats Look to Carry Fall Momentum Into 2027 Spring Season

As the fall season concluded for Villanova Softball, it offers players and coaches a chance to reflect and refocus their attention onto the Spring Season while also looking at the good of the fall season. 

For head coach Bridget Orchard, one of the things that she noted has how hungry the team is to get better and how together the group of Wildcats have become throughout the fall season. 

"This team is much fun to be around and they've worked hard to get better every day," said Orchard. "They bring great effort and compete all the time. As the fall went on, they came together as a team and got to know each other on and off the field. We're excited and looking forward to the spring season."

In addition to building connection and chemistry, the fall season offers each players a chance to see what their role can be on the team. It's also as important for the coaches to see where returners and new comers can slot in throughout the lineup and the rotation.. 

Two pivotal pieces that returned to the mainline were Kenzie Waghorn and Aubrey Police, each providing versatility during the season in 2026 but look to continue and take the next step heading into 2027. 

Police, a freshman last season, made her impact felt early with 12 starts in 34 appearances split between second base and the outfield during her initial campaign. 

In the action, she tallied 32 putouts in the field while making 11 pinch running appearances on the bases. On the chances, she stole five bases for the second most on the team. Even with the limited opportunities, Orchard is confident the now sophomore will continue to keep growing. 

"The best is yet to come for Aubrey," said Orchard. "She missed last fall due to injury, so it's great to see her back this year with confidence and putting in a lot of extra work to make herself and the team better. Even though she's only a sophomore, we'll ask her to lead as well. She earns people's trust and invests in her teammates."

In her first true fall season, Police has already taken huge steps offensively in each of the games, more specifically in the teams finale slate of action with three hits acorss four plate appearances. 

Against Lehigh, she went two for two at the plate with a double to go with two runs scored. Following that, she batted .500 against Delaware with another double and a run scored. Exiting the weekend with a .750 batting average with three runs. 

As for Waghorn, she split time between catcher and right field in her 2026 campaign, making 26 starts across 38 appearances. In the action, she collected 59 putouts and 13 assists from the field to go with a .960 fielding percentage. 

At the plate, she slashed for a .295 batting average during her junior season. Collecting 14 hits with three runs scored and nine RBIs, as well as nine walks. 

Now a senior, Waghorn has stepped into a leadership position as a catcher for her younger teammates, being one of four seniors on the roster. Waghorn has shown her leadership, leading with her words but also with her play on the field. 

"Kenzie has stepped into a leadership role as a teammate that everyone can go and trust," said Orchard. "She has built relationships with all of the pitchers and the new players, which has made their transitions easier. She has always been willing to do whatever it takes for the team to be successful, and she's such a natural athlete we can put her anywhere."

With the new leadership, Waghorn brings that confidence and guidance into games at the plate and behind the plate. The senior most recently went 2-for-3 against Delaware with a home run while also being a steady presence behind the plate. 

Someone who benefits from her senior guidance and poise behind the plate is pitcher Felicia Connolly, who comes to the mainline as a freshman. 

The Lansdale, PA. Native looks to be a huge part of the pitching rotation for the 'Cats this season despite entering her first season of NCAA Softball. 

She has already shown flashes of her talent in the circle during the fall, in which she pitched 6.1 innings with six strikeouts for a 0.00 ERA in two appearances in the team's final slate games of the fall season. 

Against the Blue Hens, Connolly was perfect with four strikeouts while not allowing a single base runner in four innings. She followed that with 2.1 innings against Lehigh with no runs allowed and two strikeouts. She exited without giving up a hit the entire weekend.

Still only a freshman, Connolly has already earned the respect and the attention of coach Orchard ahead of the spring season. 

"Felicia has bought into our system and is a quick learner," said Orchard. "She works hard and continues to improve every day. She finished the fall as one of our top pitchers, and she had an incredible weekend against two great teams, giving up no hits or runs in her innings pitched."

As the spring season continues to approach, the 'Cats will look to get back to the BIG EAST Tournament like the team did in 2025.

Be on the lookout for the Spring Schedule on our website and on Villanova Softball's social accounts.
 
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Players Mentioned

Aubrey Police

#2 Aubrey Police

2B/OF
5' 2"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Aubrey Police

#2 Aubrey Police

5' 2"
Freshman
2B/OF