The Villanovan | Volume 116, Issue 5: February 28, 2024

Closing Courts has Consequences

Vivi Melkonian Former EIC

Ask most Villanova students older than a freshman what a quintessential mark of their social life was in their younger years, and they’ll likely say something to do with the halls (and carpets) of 801 Montgomery Ave.

Recent turmoil and unrest from residents of Lower Merion Township led to a tighter leash on the once-buzzing building this school year. As of late, restrictions have grown so strict that the social scene at College Hall, colloquially known as Courts, has ceased altogether under threats of citations and even arrests.

Courts’ social scene closing isn’t as simple as students discontinuing social gatherings off-campus altogether. It means students will turn to other means of entertainment and interaction, which are farther from campus and far less safe. Courts served as a concentrated and monitored environment for students, where they would be surrounded by peers.

Without this option, students (especially those under 21) are more likely to venture out into neighboring towns and subject themselves to unsafe, unfamiliar environments.

Closing one vessel for student fun isn’t going to stop it from happening. Especially at Villanova, an institution that breeds resourceful people, students will find a way. When you take away a concentrated social environment like Courts, you open the door for dangerous alternatives. This is not to advocate for underage drinking, which is an issue, and there is no easy solution to this situation.

“The closing of Courts is really frustrating,” a female sophomore, who requested anonymity, said.

Continued on p. 5

11th Annual NOVAdance Preview p. 3

Black Student Union Celebrates the Black Excellence Awards

Villanova’s Black Student Union hosted its annual Black History Month Showcase on Feb. 24. This year, the focus of the event was the Black Excellence Awards, designed to honor the accomplishments and efforts of Black students at Villanova.

Students gathered in the Villanova Room in elegant attire to experience an evening full of inspiring performances preceding the awards ceremony. Various Villanova student entertainment organizations, such as The Superlatives,

Step Nation and the VU Gospel Choir were present. Local groups also attended, among them a Philadelphia-based youth group, SNAPCo and an a cappella ensemble from UPenn. The Villanovan had the opportunity to speak with junior Mya Stinson, the host of the awards.

“As a host of the Excellence Awards, it felt really great honoring and celebrating achievements and contributions of our Black student community,” Stinson said. “The event was a powerful reminder of the talent and resilience within our organization.”

Additionally, Stinson spoke about the sense

of unity and pride spurred by the event.

“Overall, it was truly an unforgettable experience that highlighted the importance of recognizing and uplifting Black excellence on our campus,” Stinson said.

The highlight of the event was the awards presentation. Members of the Villanova community were able to cast their vote in an online ballot after the nominees were selected and announced through the Black Student Union’s Instagram page.

The categories included a “Mr.” and “Miss” for each academic year and each school or college. Additional

awards commended qualities of entrepreneurship, athleticism, involvement, advocacy, leadership and style.

Senior Lydia McFarlane, a nominee for “Miss Black and Involved” noted the importance of her nomination.

“I was so honored to be nominated and recognized for my involvement, not just in Black spaces but across campus,” McFarlane said. “I work very hard in the classroom and in my extracurriculars, so it was nice to get the acknowledgement that there are people who see the passion I have and the work I put into the things I care about in different spaces and organizations on campus.”

Continued on p. 2

Villanova Reacts to New Textbook Policy

Loghan Hirkey Staff Writer

Trying to get the best deal on a textbook is a thing of the past at Villanova. Starting next semester, students’ textbook costs will be factored into their tuition costs per semester. The University expects this to save students a lot of money. Students received an email last Monday about the new Villanova Textbook Access Program. In this program, students will automatically be

charged $275 per semester if they are full-time undergraduates, $70 per semester for a part-time undergraduate, $100 per semester for a full-time

graduate and $55 per semester for a part-time graduate. Students can opt out of the program each semester.

The Villanovan spoke to

Craig Wheeland, PhD, Senior Vice Provost for Academics, about how this program came to Villanova.

“Villanova’s bookstore partner, Follett, has implemented similar programs at other universities,” Wheeland said. “They approached Villanova to discuss this program knowing that the University actively works to provide its students with affordable options for course materials.”

The program is expected to save each stu-

Continued on p. 4

Sof

Nicole Liddicoat Co-News Editor

Students celebrate their accomplishments at the Black Excellence Awards. Graydon Paul/ Villanovan Photography

Crazy for You Play Review p. 9

Villanova Reacts to New Textbook Policy p. 4

Lent: What are Villanovans Giving Up? p. 11

Villanova’s Houing Process Needs Restructuring p. 5

VillaVogue: A Guide to the “Wrong Shoe Theory” p. 12

Villanova Needs More Diverse Professors p. 6 Wildcat Watch: Two Worlds of Lacrosse p. 14

Says: February Wrap-Up p. 7

M Tennis Sweeps F&M, 7-0, W Falls, 4-3, to Bucknell p. 15

Villanova bookstore recloacted to St. Mary’s Hall due to the construction library Brian Luppy/ Villanovan Photography

Fire Actual

February 21, TOLENTINE HALL

A small fire was extinguished within an academic building laboratory.

Solicitation

January 30,

MAIN CAMPUS GROUNDS

A female resident student reported two suspicious males soliciting on campus.

Disorderly Conduct

January 30, ITHAN AVE. Three non-affiliated males acted in a disorderly manner.

Black Excellence Awards

Nicole Liddicoat Co-News Editor

Students accepted their awards with radiant smiles as they were greeted with applause from the audience. Among those selected as winners was “Miss Villanova School of Business,” senior Kamryn Rogers.

“[This award] meant a lot to me because a lot of the work I do is because of what others did for me,” Rogers said. “When I first came to Villanova, the first people to take me under their wings were other Black business students. I’ve tried to create that same community for those that are coming after me since I will be graduating in a few short months. Winning that award signified that I have done my part in carrying out the legacy of those who have come before me in VSB, which is all that I care about.”

Junior Nick Jubilee, as a part of both the Division 1 Swim & Dive team and the nursing program, received the awards for “Mr. Black Athlete” and “Mr. College of Nursing,” a testament to his involvement and impact on campus.

“It was really cool winning them ‘cause it was nice to know that my peers see me putting in the work in the classroom and in

the pool to just try and be the best that I can be,” Jubilee said.

Another senior, Fikayo Ajeigbe, was honored with two awards.

“I won the ‘Miss Black Senior’ and ‘Miss Black Student Leader’ awards, and it was nice to be recognized for the work that I do around campus,” Ajeigbe said.

The class winners include freshmen Derrick Smith and Jade Miller, sophomores James Eyan and Technide Jean-Phillipe, juniors Dean Millard and Rene Hart and senior Jameson Ford. Others recognized were Ava Studivant, Chinemerem Chukwu, Chris Brown, Christina Dalce, Corban Rogers, Elani Dwyer, Janice Igbinobaro, Jordin Thomas-Lamothe, Kaya Robinson, Kentron J. White, Keshyne Washington, Lauryn Hayes, Lauren Amoo, McKenzie Ohene, Timi Olaniyi, Trinity Rogers and Zachary Toles.

The Black History Month Showcase succeeded in motivating Black students campus-wide, acknowledging their significant achievements and qualities that enhance the greater community.

Congratulations are in order for all of the students nominated, with special recognition to those who garnered the votes of their peers and were announced as winners. While the awards ceremony only lasted one evening, these students deserve to be celebrated every day.

Trump Wins SC Primary

Isabella Carlin Political Columnist

Zoe Garrett Political Columnist

Donald Trump defeated Nikki Haley in the South Carolina GOP Primary that was held on Saturday, Feb. 24. Trump’s victory comes after successes in the Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada Primaries. According to the Associated Press , Trump gained 59.8% of the votes and 47 delegates in South Carolina. Haley, meanwhile, earned 39.5% of the votes and three delegates.

The question now remains: when will Haley drop out of the race? She is currently trailing Trump by 90 delegates. No major-party nominee has lost in their home state since 1972. Yet, even with that seemingly black mark against her in terms of support from voters, the former Governor of South Carolina vows to remain in the race until at least Super Tuesday.

Following her loss on Saturday, Haley addressed a crowd of her supporters.

“I’m not giving up this fight when a majority of Americans disapprove of both Donald Trump and Joe Biden,” Haley said. “South Carolina has spoken. We’re the fourth state to do so. In

the next 10 days, another 21 states and territories will speak. They have the right to a real choice, not a Soviet-style election with only one candidate. And I have a duty to give them that choice.”

Super Tuesday will occur on March 5 and will likely be Haley’s last chance to compete with Trump. Fifteen states and one territory will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for the GOP nominee they want to see challenge President Biden this November. According to USA Today, Haley is currently planning a major ad buy in Michigan and a multi-state tour in preparations for Super Tuesday.

“There has never been a spirit like this,” Trump said at his rally following the South Carolina results. “I have never seen the Republican Party so unified.”

While the votes point towards a majority Trump-supporting party, a few polls suggest that some Republican voters may lean away from the ex-president if he is found guilty in one of his ongoing criminal cases, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Both Trump and Haley will look forward to the upcoming Republican primaries, including Idaho on March 2 and 15 states and one territory on March 5 (Super Tuesday).

The stakes are extra high for Haley and her campaign. The results of these primaries will determine her campaign’s future.

Continued from p.1

The Black Student Union hosted their annual celebration of Black Excellence Award winners Graydon Paul/ Villanovan Photography

An overview of the results from the Republican Primary in South Carolina. Finn Courtney/ Villanovan Photography

Students Prepare for Midterms, Look Ahead to Spring Break

Finn Courtney Co-News Editor

With the second semester about halfway complete, Villanova students are once again preparing for midterms, with some occurring last week and the bulk of them going on throughout this, the final week before Spring Break.

Spring Break is providing the necessary incentive for students to make it through the week, whether they are simply heading home, getting away on a tropical vacation or, as many Villanovans are, hitting the slopes for some late-winter skiing.

“I have two papers and two exams this week,” freshman Alex Markatos said. “But I’m looking forward to having a week off from classes and just being able to relax with friends and family.”

Many students, like Markatos, are catching up with old friends back home and trying to put schoolwork out of their mind, if only for the week.

Others, like freshman Catie Gaffoglio, are counting down the minutes of midterms week, eager to put down the textbooks and go skiing.

“I’m always happy to see my family,” Gaffoglio said. “I’m also really excited to ski over break because I haven’t gone at all yet this

year and it is one of my favorite parts of winter. I can’t wait for midterm week to end.”

In the case of some other Villanova students, this just marks another week in their life. If their classes aren’t bogged down with midterms or they’ve already completed their midterms not in the official week, they may be experiencing a different hindrance right now: the days until break.

Some, like freshman Jack Hartung, may not be feeling too stressed out during this midterm season, but are also incredibly ready and waiting to leave campus for a week.

“I have two exams and a paper, and I’m feeling pretty good honestly,” Hartung said. “But can’t wait for it to be over. [I’m] looking forward to going skiing in Colorado on break.”

Midterms have always been different for some Villanovans. Compared to the end of the first semester, where finals week is a full respite from class with the entirety off, save any tests or exams, midterms week is often both tests and regular class periods.

In turn, this complicates studying habits for all students within the University, as with the hustle and bustle of regular classes and assignments, the advent of midterms is an unwelcome one, surely.

“I think it’s actually worse

than finals,” freshman Sophie Petrucci said. “Because at least with finals, we have [time] off from class, but this week we have to go to class, do homework and study for midterms, which is worse in my opinion.”

In the age where mental health resources have been pushed to the forefront and are readily available at Villanova, looking to finding a way to study while not experiencing burnout is a welcome change from unhealthy study habits.

Students also need to make sure they are not working too hard, in terms of the amount of sleep they’re getting and tending to their

mental health in what is always a stressful time.

“For me, I enjoy studying with friends for exams or listening to music while I study because it helps me focus,” Markatos said.

If one thing is clear, Villanovans must continue to persist despite potential burnout as a respite in Spring Break is approaching. Selfcare is incredibly important and students must take care of themselves.

Whether going home, visiting friends and family, going away to swim or ski or whatever one’s reward is, the break is deserved. Be safe and enjoy, Villanovans.

11th Annual NOVAdance Preview

Lauren Armstrong Co-News Editor

Finn Courtney Co-News Editor

Nicole Liddicoat Co-News Editor

On March 23, 2024, hundreds of students, staff, parents, alumni and more will fill the walls of Jake Nevin under one common cause: NOVAdance. NOVAdance is Villanova’s year-long fundraising campaign for the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, which raises money to support families going through a battle with pediatric cancer.

“I got involved in NOVAdance because of my personal connection,” sophomore Committee Member Olivia Winchenbaugh said. “My sister was diagnosed with a tumor her sophomore year of high school and we were extremely fortunate to catch it early and have the resources needed to make sure she would be healthy. Most people are not as fortunate as my family was, and so I NOVAdance so people can have the same chances. I fight for the kids. I fight for our heroes. No one should stand alone, so I fight for everyone affected by the disease.”

NOVAdance is one of Villanova’s largest student organizations, and the mission connects to many students for a variety of reasons. For Co-Executive Director Kathryn Scotto, she’s very much included in that connection, with hers more personal than most.

“Having seen many of my own family members battle cancer, NOVAdance stuck out to me and I was drawn to NOVAdance in that it would enable me to support families [with] the ability to support families experiencing the same hardship,” Scotto said. “In NOVAdance we say that your ‘Why?’ develops and changes as time goes on. While I initially joined NOVAdance to find a home on campus, and to give back, my ‘Why?’ has become so much greater… I found my home in NOVAdance, a place where I can make a difference, a place I feel comfortable being me.”

Many students decided to get involved with NOVAdance for a variety of reasons.

“I wanted to get involved in NOVAdance to spread awareness about the organization,” sophomore and Team Captain for Phi Sigma Phi Zach Hetrick said. “Since getting involved, it has influenced my college career for the better. It has allowed me to meet so many new people also passionate about raising money for pediatric cancer. I think everyone should get involved, as there are many levels of involvement depending on how much time you can dedicate to the cause.”

Speaking of getting involved, for those not already planning on attending or getting active with the organization currently, plenty of ways still remain, including the Morale Committee (MoCo) with Co-Director Caroline Jakubik and MoCo Color Captains Grant Lemay, Hannah Rongo, Peyton Walker and Meredith Sheftel.

“Morale Committee is an amazing way for students of any grade to get involved at any time,”

Jakubik said. “They are the backbone of NOVAdance and are NOVAdance’s ‘hype team.’ You can join MoCo at any time before March 23rd on our fundraising website. People should get involved because when you contribute to NOVAdance, you can be assured that your support will be going directly to families in need. Beyond that, you will have the experience to connect with our amazing B+ Heroes and with other Villanova students who are passionate about creating change in the world.”

For Scotto, now a senior after four years as a part of the organization, this year’s NOVAdance is not just the annual culmination of the hard work done by all facets of the organization all year long, it represents a final “Day Of” for her. And as a part of that, she urges all people - whether it is someone stopping by, a member of the organization or someone interested in getting involved - to savor every moment left raising money and

creating unforgettable times.

“The feeling NOVAdance creates on the ‘Day Of’ is like no other,” Scotto said. “The connection between everyone in that room is one of shared experience, hope, joy, love, and care. [...] Take a moment to take it all in, [the] hundreds of people dancing below you, the parents chatting in the corner, relieved that their children are enjoying a day of carefree fun, the Committee members buzzing about, making sure that every detail goes off without a hitch, our Heroes playing basketball and Just Dance.”

“Our grand fundraising total reveal to end the night is the cherry on top, the moment we realize how much good we were able to put into the world, and how many families we’ve helped. I find myself overwhelmed with emotion every year, the confetti falls and the crowd erupts into cheers, hugs, and tears. It’s a moment I can’t begin to capture with words and a day I count down every year.”

Gabi Frank/ Villanovan Photography

With midterms around the corner, Villanovans will find refuge in the library studying for exams. Brian Luppy/ Villanovan Photography

Villanova Reacts to New Textbook Policy

Loghan Hirkey Staff Writer

Continued from p.1

-dent 20 to 60% of the money they would have spent. Once enrolled in the course, the bookstore will get the required materials ready for each student.

Books recommended by professors will not be included in a students’ materials. Printed books will then be available for pick-up the first day of classes. Digital copies will also be available at this time.

“The estimated 20 to 60% is

based on actual results from different institutions,” Wheeland said. “To determine fees for Villanova, Follett also analyzed data from Villanova’s bookstore orders.”

However, some students are still unhappy with the new program. If a student forgets to opt out of the program during the drop/add period, they will have to pay the full price. This raised concerns for students in CLAS who typically do not have a lot of textbooks.

The Villanovan spoke to junior Vic Bratsos, who shared her frustrations about the program.

“I think the program isn’t helpful for the majority of students,” Bratsos said. “While there probably are students that spend more than $275 a semester, most of them don’t. A lot of students will be opting out, which is an inconvenience. It’s overall unnecessary.”

start of each term. Students can only opt out during a certain time period, so they will need to keep checking their email.

Wheeland explained why the program is an opt-out rather than an opt-in.

“An opt-out program ensures that students receive their required texts by the first day of classes without having to take additional action,” he said. “Students will also be informed of the up-front cost of their required texts. This gives them the necessary information to make a decision about opting out of the program.”

In the same regard, if students accidentally opt-out or change their mind, they can opt back in through the portal. This portal link will be sent to every student’s email at the

“I’ve been at this school for five years,” graduate student Meghan Rivardo said. “I’ve never spent close to $275 on textbooks in undergrad. It sucks for certain majors because it’s lifting a financial burden for some, but those in CLAS or even business don’t spend nearly that much.”

The set textbook price for all majors seems to be a concern. Those in CLAS and VSB are going to be opting out at a higher rate than STEM majors.

Regardless of how students feel, the program is set for next semester. Those with more questions are asked to email the Villanova University Shop.

Communication Department Guides Internship Journeys

Cate Torrey Staff Writer

There is a variety of internship opportunities available for students majoring in Communication. Throughout this month, different internship opportunities have been presented, and the Communication Department is making significant efforts to make these opportunities well-known among students. These internships are crucial for students who are deciding what field within communication is best suited for their interests and future career desires.

A major in Communication at Villanova gives students the ability to not only excel in the classes required for the major, but to be able to center their focus on a specific concentration that best fits their interests. The Communication program aims to give students the room and flexibility to choose courses within a variety of concentrations.

“Personally, I have always had a deep appreciation for the arts, especially theater and music,” Villanova alumnus and Communication major Sabrina Carter said.

“From studying performance abroad in Greece to framing final projects around iconic RnB and HipHop albums, I was able to weave my passions into my studies in ways that felt very personal and meaningful.”

Some of these concentrations include Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication, Journalism, Media Production, Media Studies, Organizational Communication,

Performance Studies, PR and Advertising and Rhetorical Studies. All concentrations require certain courses to be taken, while some other concentrations have required internships.

Journalism, Media Production and Public Relations and Advertising are some examples of the concentrations that require internships. These specializations require certain hands-on experiences that can only be achieved through an internship and because they allow students an opportunity to understand and obtain a clearer vision of that field.

This past month, there have been multiple internship postings and information made available by the Communication Department, specifically by faculty member Juanita Weaver. Weaver’s role as the Department Internship Coordinator in this internship process has been to guide and educate students on the many opportunities available through the Communication Department.

“My role is to meet with students to inform them of the various info sessions and locations for securing internship experiences,” Weaver said. “Also, I give them information on how to apply for an internship for academic credit, as well as the requirement for an internship for academic credit.”

Two recent internship postings have been made known to students and offer significant experiences. One of them is a Community Engagement Internship opportunity for students interested in social media content creation and gaining

broad experience in non-profit advocacy. This internship is held through the St. Francis Inn of Philadelphia.

The second internship posting allows the opportunity to serve as a Public Relations apprentice during the Summer of 2024 for the Prosek Partners. This opportunity is reserved for students who have completed their degree in communication and are fully capable in their research skills and knowledge of media.

Once students have secured their spot in any of these internships, Weaver can aid them in the following steps within the process. There are other aspects of the process such as research proposals and papers. Weaver expanded on how her job is to benefit and guide students through-

out this journey.

“Letting students know about the opportunities, as well as our Department requirements, is another aspect of my role,” Weaver said. “Once students have secured an internship for credit, I work with the interns on the research proposal and final paper. Often students I speak with have incorrect or incomplete information regarding these internships.”

Not only is it helpful for students to gain the experience of an internship, but they can gain academic credits through this opportunity as well. It is important for students to recieve the correct knowledge and understanding of how beneficial and possible these internships can be in their academic careers.

The previous home of the Villanova bookstore at Kennedy Hall. Brian Luppy/ Villanovan Photography

Villanovans majoring in Communications look ahead to exciting opportunities. Brian Luppy/ Villanovan Photography

Students can now participate in the Villanova Textbook Access Program. Courtesy of Shutterstock

OPINION

Villanova’s Housing Process Needs Restructuring

Majo James Staff Writer

It’s once again that time of year. The time when you scramble to find a roommate (or multiple), pray that your housing selection time is good enough or not during a class that has banned technology and desperately try to land a nicer room on campus than you had before. Naturally, all of this proves to be stressful for students. Is there anything Villanova can do to help?

The new housing portal has proved to be glitchy and confusing for students. Sophomore Isabel Choi described the process as “really stressful.” She described how she and her roommates gathered in one dorm room during their housing selection time to try and figure out what to do.

“It was really confusing where to find the housing assignment,” Choi said. “We were all jittery and super nervous.”

“After navigating through the website for 10 minutes, I was still confused,” an anonymous student added. This student’s problems only became worse from there. Since she had the earliest selection time of the three other women she was planning on rooming with, it was on her to find them a good room.

“The worst part about the website was that you had to go back and forth until you have every roommate assigned to an apartment, instead of assigning everyone to a space at once,” she said. “Other people may register for those spaces

Vivi Melkonian Former EIC

continued pg. 1

before you finish assigning everyone.”

Unfortunately, this is exactly what ended up happening to this student. Before she could add her roommates, the three remaining spots in the apartment filled up with three men. Naturally, she wasn’t pleased at this prospect and contacted Residence Life to get herself out of there.

My story certainly isn’t that panic-inducing, but I had a similar experience. A student I had been planning on rooming with had an earlier time than me, but before he could add me to the room the spot had been taken by a random student he did not know.

If anything is for certain, it’s that students are having problems with the housing selection process. The Commons had been completely filled by the first day of junior housing selection. Of course, Villanova does not guarantee any specific type of housing to students, only that they will have a place to stay until senior

year, when it becomes a lottery. It also does not say anywhere that Villanova guarantees that a person will be able to room with whom they want.

Should students just stop complaining? Are they asking for more than they are owed? I certainly don’t think so. One would assume that a prestigious institution like Villanova would be able to provide quality housing for its students, especially as they ascend in seniority. It’s a universal college experience to live in a dorm with its cinder block walls and communal bathrooms, but it’s also part of the college experience to cook in one’s own kitchen and to relax in one’s own living room.

Rooming with friends is not a luxury. It is integral to the livelihood of students. Living with someone with drastically different schedules and habits can impact one’s academic performance and mental health. We’ve all heard of horror stories of

particularly incompatible roommates that end in rather nasty falling outs. So what could Villanova do better?

“[Villanova] should release a video on how to fill out the housing form,” sophomore Julianna Lee suggested.

This would be an amazing start, as any of the initial problems students had revolved around navigating the new housing portal itself. I would also reaffirm the anonymous student’s earlier point, as many problems could be avoided if students could add all their roommates to a room with one click instead of having to do so individually (by which time slots could be taken).

Then, of course, comes the problem of housing itself. On-campus housing is essential for many students who cannot afford to live off-campus. Doing so would necessitate having a car to drive to campus (parking is a whole different entity that this article won’t tackle) and early negotiations of the lease to get the best deal possible.

Ultimately, I have no easy answer to the larger problem of not enough rooms on campus. Dictating that Honors students or those who participate in Sophomore Service Learning Community to not receive better housing seems unfair when one could argue that they have earned it. That then opens up the possibility that the housing order comes down to certain achievements or traits, contrary to the randomness that housing selection times are supposed to be. Perhaps the answer lies in simply not admitting more students than we can handle. Hopefully, the housing selection process will be smoother in the coming years.

Closing Courts Has Consequences

“Not only was it a place to go, but the location was close to school so I always felt safe going. Now, we travel into Manayunk and Philly to go out at night. I’m spending so much money on Ubers, and I don’t feel safe”

It’s easy to label Courts as a catalyst for rowdy frat parties, but demeaning it down to that prevents constructive conversation about the consequences of this decision. To be sure, this is not to promote underaged party scenes, but the taboo surrounding this behavior needs to be removed to create honest discourse about the consequences of shutting down the Courts social scene.

This drastic change in the Villanova social scene has direct implications for the University, as students will seek out social time by other means. Whether it’s leasing all four units in a building at The Villas at Bryn Mawr (also known as Props) or reverting to COVID-era dorm party practices, students will inevitably seek a way to satisfy their social needs.

“Courts was right next to

school, so I could quickly get home when I wanted to,” the student continued. “Now, I have a 25-to-30 minute Uber ride home for $60, where I don’t feel safe, and my friends are checking our locations to make sure we get home safe.”

Students, both of legal drinking age and under, will venture into lesser-known Philadelphia bars and clubs on their weekend nights. Not only are these areas more dangerous, they are more expensive, which creates another barrier at a school that already struggles to be conducive for students of lower economic means.

“Courts has been around for decades,” the anonymous sophomore said. “Shutting it down is only going to make students go to further lengths to go out and have fun, resulting in less safe activities. I can’t believe it got shut down.” This decision has broader ramifications for the reputation of the school itself. A certain playon-words critique of Villanova, often employed by rival institutions, comes to mind. The off-campus social scene is the heart of Villanova student culture, and Courts was an artery. Without it, the blood supply to a once-buzzing social scene

dwindles.

Courts offered a safe option for going out at Villanova. Students traveled via rideshare and were surrounded by people they knew, which fostered an environment where students looked out for each other.

“When I was an underclassman at Courts, I always felt secure knowing no matter which apartment I went in, I would see a friendly face, who would help me if I needed,” a Villanova student, who requested anonymity, said. “I don’t know what my other options would have been in my younger”

For the last three decades, Courts has become a popular place for students to reside and makes up a significant component of the Villanova student experience. To disregard and diminish this fact is ignorant and devalues student social culture.

Taking away Courts as a vessel will not cease stereotypical college-style parties altogether. It will force students to seek out fun by other, riskier means. Solutions will not be easy to come by and will require a concerted effort by varying constituencies. The University and student body will need to collaborate to find a solution that appeases and is safe for everyone.

The Commons are a particularly sought-after housing option for upperclassmen. Brian Luppy / Villanovan Photography

The crackdown on College Hall has shifted student nightlife to more dangerous areas. Graydon Paul/ Villanovan Photography

EDITORIAL BOARD LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

The Villanovan encourages all members of the Villanova community to voice their opinions. Letters to the editors may be submitted via e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com. Letters must not exceed 500 words and must be signed. No anonymous letters will be published. All submissions become property of The Villanovan and are subject to editing for clarity and space.

Villanova Needs More Diverse Professors

Avery Chalk Co-Opinion Editor

It is no secret that Villanova’s student population is overwhelmingly white. Though a lower figure than in years past, 69.4% of the student body identified as White/Non-Hispanic in 2022, per DEI demographic data. Even dubbed “Vanillanova’’ for its notoriously non-diverse campus, the University’s reputation precedes it.

In recent years, Villanova has come to recognize these shortcomings. The University has made cautious efforts to celebrate diverse voices and boost minority enrollment. In recognition of Black History Month, it has promoted events by the Black Student Union (BSU), hosted discussions and promoted various cultural events. While its mission is ongoing, Villanova has undoubtedly made strides in a positive direction.

However, student diversity efforts have not been translated to faculty. Data showed that 73.9% of full-time professors are Caucasian, and only 4.4% are Black or African American. These trends remained generally consistent in part-time faculty and staff.

Promoting professors’ diversity should be equally important to that of the student community. Diverse teachers bring unique perspectives and cultural experiences into the classroom. This inclusivity is invaluable, promoting a learning environment that ventures outside of the traditional box.

Living in a technological age has drastically expedited the pace of daily activity.

Every minute, the average user is inundated with notifications from their favorite sports teams, emails from professors, text messages from friends and breaking news from all over the world. Surely, this must reap some consequences for human discourse, and arguably, its largest consequence is the lost art form of true listening.

I first noticed this pattern in not only my colleagues, but myself, as well, during meal times this past semester. One individual would share their personal complaint or anecdote, and immediately when somebody else jumped in to share their thoughts, they would be scrolling on their phone or clearly physically disengaged. It struck me then and there as to why

Professor Blake Perry, a Black Ph.D. Student and Philosophy professor, appreciates that the University gives him the space to promote an enriching and inclusive curriculum.

“What’s most important is that [I’m] given the autonomy to outline a specific experience and make clear important issues,” Perry said.

Diversity is also necessary to foster relationships with similarly identifying students. When students see professors they resonate with, racially or otherwise, they feel valued and understood. Every student deserves to find this kind of positive connection and feeling of mentorship.

Students need to interact with material from different ethnic and historical backgrounds. This not only promotes tolerance but exposes students to necessary and unfiltered course content. Diverse professors bring unique viewpoints that translate to their respective syllabi.

“Villanova has allowed me to hone in on the condition of being a human being with all of my students,” Perry said. “When I teach [W.E.B] Dubois, he shows us not only about being a Black person, but about being a person in general. That’s what all scholars should strive for.”

In its newest Strategic Plan, Villanova recognized the necessary

The Lost Art of Listening

our generation is so depressed and talk therapy is more sought out than ever. It is because it is greatly lacking in our social discourse.

This does not serve to diminish the importance of therapy and mental health professionals, who have been of great service to the afflicted, but the correlation between a decline in the average person’s attention span and rise in seeking therapy is extremely strong. Feeling as though you are not being truly heard in your personal life can lead to feelings of deep isolation, despite being surrounded by many, and the social disconnect can arguably be even more lonely than legitimate solitude.

How can we combat this? Perhaps it begins with the act of intentional, deep listening when we spend time with the various people in our lives. It may be difficult to break selfish habits that are not only tolerated, but promoted in our narcissistic society, which is the exact reason why the title of this article refers to listening as a

“lost art.” Listening is not the mere act of head nodding and forced eye contact, but rather generating a true interest in an entity outside of oneself.

This can be seen through asking questions, making statements that do not refer to your personal experiences, or when it is appropriate, pure silence and physical engagement.

The Villanovan asked other Villanova students for their perspective on the lack of back-andforth observed in modern discourse. Many people nodded their heads in immediate agreement.

“I definitely see a correlation between the distraction of technology and the distraction we see in the average dining-hall conversation,” freshman Jack McHugh said.

“It can feel incredibly frustrating to listen to others for long durations of time and not feel as if you are being afforded the same privilege, which is why I would definitely encourage people

attention that must be given to faculty. As a Catholic institution, the University values the creation of community. However, a community that is truly vibrant and inclusive can only be fostered by expanding currently underrepresented demographic groups on campus

Villanova attested that it plans to continue implementing equitable hiring workshops and faculty affinity groups. It also will continue amplifying the voices of existing diverse faculty:

“We will expand recruitment and outreach efforts for underrepresented faculty, staff and students. We will codify best practices and provide training on attracting, retaining and supporting a more diverse community,” stated the 2020 Villanova Strategic Plan.

While these goals are attainable, they will take time and effort on the administrative level to fully achieve. Students also must do their part to seek out diverse sources of information and professional perspectives. Educational texts or podcasts are readily available for Villanova students who want to broaden their horizons outside of the classroom.

As Black History Month comes to a close, the Villanova community must not forget about its commitment to inclusivity. Marginalized voices must be consciously and respectfully celebrated every day. To truly make a difference, this must extend itself beyond the confines of Villanova and into the broader community.

to make a concerted effort to make others feel heard and understood in all types of conversations.”

Freshman Angela Choi echoed the sentiments of McHugh.

“I believe a society that listens is a society that thrives,” Choi said. “There is so much to learn from the experiences of others, and there is so much to be gained from closing our lips and opening our ears.”

Of course, in our lives, there are seasons where we feel a pull toward selfishness. Perhaps you lost a loved one, are having a rough time in a new position or are feeling as if you are in a “rut.”

This is once again why listening is a true art. It is a tug of war. It would be rather robotic to simply listen for its reciprocal benefits (and slightly hypocritical).

Through cultivating a culture of listening, we will all be able to express our emotions in an appropriate manner and expand our capacity for empathy and meaningful relationships.

Diverse professors add new persepctives and teaching strategies. Courtesy of Villanova University

Juliana Burke Staff Writer

Natalie Murphy Staff Writer

ACS Requirement: Blessing or Curse?

While most colleges and universities have required classes for incoming freshmen and transfer students, Villanova is unique in its mandatory Augustine and Culture Seminar Program, known to all as ACS. Each student is required to complete the full-year course, which is comprised of ACS 1000 (Ancients) and ACS 1001 (Moderns). Students dive into the multi-layered aspects of the Augustinian tradition using texts from across the world, both ancient and modern. The classes are centered around reading, writing and seminar-style learning and taught by more than two dozen professors across campus.

Though it is a requirement, the necessity of the class is up for debate. Some students believe it to be a beneficial course, while others find it to be repetitive and irrelevant to their career paths. Because there are so many different staff members teaching the program, students do not read the same texts or learn the same lessons. The level of difficulty varies from section to section. While a mandatory introductory writing-based class is advantageous, I sometimes question the obligatory nature of the class.

Many people believe ACS is helpful for freshmen, as it helps them get used to the collegiate level of schooling. Sophia Saleeby,

Sof Quaglia Satire Columnist

The following content is purely satirical and entirely fictional. Don’t believe everything you read!

Pennsylvania’s Most Famous Groundhog:

We started out the month very strong with Punxsutawney Phil confirming that an early spring was on its way. Unfortunately for Phil, the bitter cold that continued through this month is causing people to be very angry with his lies and deceit. As Punxsutawney Phil’s #1 fan, I will remind you all that he said spring was coming, not that it was happening now. Give him a minute.

Awards Show Szn:

It is officially my favorite time of the year: awards show season. This is really the time when freaks who are overly obsessed with pop culture shine. I am one of those freaks, and I can confirm that I am thriving.

At the Grammys on Feb. 4, Taylor Swift became the first person to ever win Album of the Year four times. Upon winning a different award that night, she announced that she will be releasing a new album on April 14. Again, this really is a huge time for freaks. Check on your friends.

The Grammys also came with a lot of new beginnings for both stars and stans. Miley Cyrus’s incredibly toned arms has teenage girls around the world starting Pilates classes. It also has them realizing that Pilates is in the budget for nepo baby Grammy winners and not them.

Beyonce sported a cowboy

a freshman biology and Spanish double-major, noted the seminar-style classes offered at Villanova and thinks ACS is a great step in the first direction.

“I think it’s important to have some sort of required introductory freshmen course,” Saleeby said. “I think it helps us build college writing skills and learn how a seminar class works. Since most classes, and all of the core curriculum, at Villanova are more seminar-based, this is a good beginning class.”

Saleeby understood that most ACS classes differ on teacher

and type.

“My Moderns class is reading different material and is catered towards the medical humanities,” she said. “Although the structure is the same, we are doing different things than the other Honors cohorts and non-honors classes.”

Other students think that ACS is too repetitive of other required classes. Madeline Nesbit, a sophomore history and criminology double-major on the pre-law track, believes the program to be unhelpful for her career path.

“ACS is a mix of theology, ethics and philosophy, so when

Sof Says: February Wrap-Up

hat to signal her step into the world of country. Her new song “Texas Hold ‘Em” is now #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. This makes her the first Black woman to have a song hold that spot.

I might be the only person in the world who cares about the SAG Awards, but it really is my most anticipated awards show of the season. Airing at 8 p.m. on a Saturday night on Netflix this year isn’t really bringing in any more viewers, so I don’t think the show cares that I am its only fan, anyway.

For the entire rest of society who did not spend their Saturday night watching, don’t worry, you didn’t miss anything. It’s just an awards show, and it had all the typical awards show things. Jeremy Allen White, Hannah Waddingham, jokes about Taylor Swift (even though she wasn’t there) and a beautiful and emotional montage that made me cry. You know, a typical awards show. I loved every second of it.

Primaries, Conspiracies, Sneakers, Oh My: There are lots of very important and pressing issues that have come out of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election so far. All of it is good, and none of it is troubling at all.

According to some people, this election is rigged already, anyway, so why should we care? Since Taylor Swift won a Grammy and Travis Kelce won the Super Bowl, the liberal agenda is at large, and President Biden will be reelected for his second term. So, congrats to all three of them.

On the Republican front, there are also some great things hap-

students have to take all of these courses, it is a little redundant,” Nesbit said. “A pro of ACS being a required course is that students can ease into college-level writing expectations, but a con is that the course is not really necessary. ACS did not help me choose my major or career path, and I don’t see how it would help anyone unless they were interested in becoming a theologian or philosopher.”

I tend to believe that ACS should be a course that students can test out of. While I do think the class includes valuable material and introduces freshmen to the Augustinian tradition, the course is repetitive for students who completed advanced, seminar-style, college-level classes in high school. Many of the texts I have already read, and the fact that it varies from professor to professor is unhelpful when introduced to the collegiate level of schooling.

Both ACS 1000 and ACS 1001 require students to attend at least three “ACS approved” events per semester, which is extremely time-consuming when learning how to balance activities and manage one’s time in college. While I am a humanities student, I do not believe a full-year course to be necessary. I think that students should be offered different courses to become truly immersed in the college environment. Even though the majority of Villanova students find the ACS program to be taxing, many believe an introductory writing course to be necessary.

From the Grammy’s to Trump, February was certainly a month to remember. Courtesy of Shutterstock

pening for former President Trump. He is staying booked and busy. Felonies, rallies and primaries. He’s doing it all. A real renaissance man. But, the life of politics and crime was not enough for him. This month, he decided he needed to up his game. His shoe game, more specifically. The former president released Trump Sneakers, the ugliest things I have ever seen in my entire life. If you haven’t seen them, don’t bother looking them up. They look exactly like you think they do.

Again, I am not at all concerned about the future of this country. This year’s election is off to a wonderful start.

The First Coming of the Stingray Messiah: This is by far the most important piece of news to come out of February of 2024. Charlotte the Stingray, who lives in an all-female

stingray enclosure in a North Carolina aquarium, is pregnant. Although there are no male stingrays, there are male sharks. So, this means that there are only two possible conclusions that can be made here. Either Charlotte is going to give birth to the first-ever shark-stingray hybrid, or there was an immaculate conception, bringing forth a stingray messiah. Some are not in favor of this idea.

“I think it’s all a hoax,” freshman Samantha Whitehair said. “Maybe this is the first stingray hysterical pregnancy, like on Glee.”

And, to be honest, I think she raised a good point with that. So, Charlotte is either having a secret affair with a shark, or is the blessed mother of all stingrays, or is Glee character Will Schuester’s wife who is pretending to be pregnant. Whatever the case is, history is about to be made here, folks.

Many sorority events, such as Alpha Phi’s Heart Health Disparities Talk, are ACS approved. Avery Chalk/ Villanovan Photography

How to Navigate Trends, Influencers, and Individuality

Zara Black Staff Writer

As Milan’s Fashion Week dazzles with intricate designs, influencers on various platforms flaunt their own fashion shows, each outfit boasting an enticing price tag and societal approval. However, this rapid turnover of trends fueled by social media is promoting fast fashion, enticing consumers to constantly seek the latest pieces endorsed by famous influencers, contributing to unsustainable consumption habits.

With a spike in social media growth, platforms look to improve and combine numerous hot features found on various apps to curate the ideal experience that appeals to each user and returns a hefty profit to their pockets. TikTok, a free platform that allows users to create content showcasing lifestyles, talents, hobbies and news, can be found nestled between apps on the homescreens of billions of people around the world. With the ability to gain a following, profit and praise, creators appear on one’s “For You Page,” advertising voices, style choices, businesses, houses, lifestyles, jobs and more. An algorithm then cultivates a stream of videos and creators for each user, leaving them to scroll for hours.

Amidst the hour-long ordeal, users piece together their dream wardrobe complete with every hot new item tagged with the promise of encapsulating the look of the new “it girl.” Skinny jeans, ripped denim, a tiny top with a sporadic print and scrunchies are all pieces that once dominated the industry but are now only an era of fashion’s history as they lay collecting dust stuffed behind bins in closets. The “VSCO Girl,” equipped with a scrunchie, Hydro Flask and an oversized shirt, became the norm as girls spent their days watching Outer Banks and racking up hours of screen time while quarantining during Covid-19.

Freshman Sophie Trinh discussed the impact different platforms had on many girls during Covid-19,

and how it was evident without style.

“I feel like [the] lockdown really pushed a lot of people toward social media, as there weren’t many other things to do,” Trinh said. “All of a sudden, TikTok surged in popularity and videos about the concept of a ‘VSCO Girl’ were everywhere. People were telling you how to dress, what to buy, what to post, how to live and out of nowhere, social media became this how-to guide for the way in which we are supposed to go about life.”

While the days of dancing the “Renegade” may be over, TikTok’s prevalence within the world of fashion is not. As the app weaves advertisements within the compilation of hundreds of videos, influencers upload their own advertisements hidden within the perfected clips of their life. A vintage oversized Miami Dolphins jacket, a sleek tiny black mini skirt and bold platform black boots, accessorized with chunky gold jewelry are the ultimate ensemble for a big NFL game. Followers are left yearning, reaching for their wallets in hopes that the perfect black mini skirt might also be the key to their own manifested success.

Yet, with the mere swipe of a finger comes another video. Showcasing a baggy low rise denim, striped knit sweater, Goyard tote and a pair of Gazelles from Adidas, complete with a slick back pony, as a woman picks up her morning coffee and heads to the library for a six-hour study session. Suddenly, North Face bags and high-school sweatshirts are being tossed, laptops are being opened and Google is being searched, as people look for the perfect outfit that will finally prompt them to study. Referencing the influence TikTok creators can have on people’s lives, freshman Avery Brown commented on the romanticized lifestyles of many influencers on the platform.

“I totally think we romanticize the moments and lives we see through our screens,” Brown said. “It’s hard not to when you have people like Alix Earle surging to fame

and suddenly dating all these major athletes, you kind of analyze how someone’s life can change so quickly and what the root of this change is. Pinterest boards replicate the perfect life, but in reality, one outfit or quick purchase isn’t going to change your life, and I think people have a hard time accepting that.”

Striving to mirror the lifestyles of social media’s glorified “it girls,” users are lured in with the promise of effortlessly chic ensembles and enviable aesthetics. Yet, as the digital world is scoured for the latest hot trends, a cycle of consumerism encapsulates society, leaving people in a constant pursuit of fleeting micro-trends that drain both wallets and the planet.

As hopes to bring Pinterest boards to life grow, people look for brands and pieces that replicate those found in the closets of top influencers. With a pen and paper at the ready, scribbles are created while scrolling through TikToks and posts. As lists grow in length, and undoubtedly price, a quick fix is suddenly circled and bolded. This solution comes in the form of varying bigname brands, as creators publish hauls of the “dupes” that appear to be a seamless match to those on their wishlists.

In a rush to mimic these idealized lifestyles, people purchase absurd amounts of clothing from brands like Shein, Zara, H&M, Amazon and Mango, drawn by the allure of instant gratification without the hefty price tag. With these brands offering cheaply made garments, consumers hastily satisfy their insatiable appetite for the trends that consume society. Yet, amidst the growing demand for consumption, many fail to acknowledge the environmental harm caused by these brands and the difficulty in escaping the cyclical trend.

Social media only intensifies this cycle, weaving an intricate web that entices consumers into the relentless pursuit of the trendiest or most liked items, forsaking substance for fleeting popularity. Freshman

Shea Traverse commented on this topic and the prevalent impact social media has on the industry.

“Fashion trends are constantly changing and, with social media, people are aware of that,” Traverse said. “Something that is in style one day may be out of style the next. Influencers who wear these fashion trends inspire other people, but because fashion is always changing, people don’t want to spend a lot of money on good quality, sustainable clothing knowing the piece might be out of style within a few weeks.”

This age-old war between substance and popularity leaves fashion to stand at a crossroads in a digital age where Instagram filters meet runway glamor and TikTok dances strut alongside haute couture. In efforts to navigate a bustling intersection, people are met with sustainability, influencer culture and the trials of defining one’s individuality, as they all converge in a whirlwind of trends and hashtags.

As people navigate this bustling intersection, they’re met with the allure of influencers flaunting their latest finds, tempting a promise of instant style and societal approval.

Yet, amidst the ever-changing landscape of fast fashion trends, consumers become exhausted, struggling to keep pace with fleeting styles. Social media platforms like TikTok serve as guides through this fashion maze. However, amidst the sea of perfectly curated feeds and sponsored posts, there’s a risk of losing sight of one’s unique style and identity.

Therefore, prompting the fashion world to take a scenic route, exploring vintage shops and eco-friendly brands, and rediscovering the joy of self expression through fashion without the pressure of likes and followers.

Fashion, in its essence, serves as the perfect accessory for expressing oneself, rather than striving to embody an idealized version of the person one hopes to become.

College students shopping on a budget usually resort to buying clothing off fast fashion websites, like Shein. Victoria Margenat / Villanovan Photography

Sofia Krzewicki Staff Writer

Crazy for You, a production directed by University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D., is taking to the stage at the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts from Feb. 22 to Feb. 29.

Crazy for You is a 1992 Tony-award winner for Best Musical, written by Ken Ludwig. It was heavily inspired by Girl Crazy, a musical by George and Ira Gershwin. The musical follows Bobby Child (Ryan Skerchak), an aspiring dancer from New York who works as a banker for his mother. He travels to Deadrock, Nevada to investigate a customer who has defaulted on a mortgage and upon arrival, Bobby falls for Polly Baker (Meghan Dietzler). Polly’s father owns the Gaiety Theatre, the property he was sent to seize. A lovestruck Bobby hatches a plan to save the theater, but when Polly finds out he works for the bank, she angrily casts him

CULTURE

Crazy for You Play Review

out. Bobby disguises himself as a Hungarian producer from New York named Bela Zangler (Nathan Trementozzi) and puts on a show with his friends, leading the townsfolk to help Polly save the theatre.

Crazy for You is filled with love triangles and mistaken identities. Polly falls for Bobby disguised as Bela Zangler, until the real Bela Zangler shows up to Deadrock, throwing wrench after wrench into Bobby’s plan. This makes the love story more engaging, as it is not as straightforward or cliché as viewers might expect. Skerchak and Dietzler dazzle in their roles, and their on-stage chemistry through dance feels as though Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers made their earthly return to Villanova, PA. Despite my inclination towards the romantic aspect of the show, I was also overarchingly rooting for a stronger community—a bridge between New York and Deadrock, between the new and the old, between modernism and tradition.

Crazy for You is told largely through dance.

“[The] story also takes place in two different cities—New York City and the fictional Deadrock, Nevada…the music and choreography are modeled to fit the personas of those locations and the individuals who live there,” Crazy for You’s choreographer, Kevin Dietzler, said.

Dietzler adapted the concepts created by Susan Stroman, the choreographer of the original production, to keep the spirit of the “traditional American Broadway musical, the kind you would see in movies and on stage in the first half of the 20th century” alive.

And there is certainly something nostalgic about Crazy for You “The show [is] filled with nostalgia, joy and thrill,” Skerchak said.

There are elements of the musical that are very reminiscent of the gilded glitz and glamor of Old Hollywood, making it exciting and lively. The “Zangler Follies” in the show mirror the

Ziegfeld Follies of the early 20th century. “[They] always featured big elaborate sets and costumes,” Dietzler said of the famous revue.

Everything comes together quite aptly in the finale, which perfectly encapsulates the entire show. The ultimate triumph of Bobby and Polly’s love and the salvation of the Gaiety Theatre provide the happy ending audience members hope for. The scene begins with Bobby and Polly, dressed in white, waltzing in a sea of blackness and ends with the entire cast, including Zangler’s Follies and the Deadrock townsfolk, dressed in red Gentlemen Prefer Blondes-type dresses and suits, in musical and metaphorical harmony. In all, Crazy for You exudes vitality and warmth, and is worth a watch for any Villanova student looking for a fun escape.

Crazy for You has two performances remaining: Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 29 at 8 p.m.

Program Spotlight: Villanova RUIBAL

Zoe Manning Staff Writer

Villanova’s RUIBAL program has become a fundamental aspect of freshmen engagement, as it offers a unique opportunity for students to make a positive impact on the Philadelphia community at the beginning of their college careers. This program, which is exclusively for freshmen, is centered around supporting K-8 students in local schools and aftercare centers, participating in activities such as tutoring, mentoring and recreational activities.

RUIBAL is more than simply a service initiative; it is a community-building experience that nurtures personal growth and social awareness among its devoted volunteers. Students are grouped in teams of approximately six, which are led by two or three upperclassmen leaders who facilitate transportation to and from service sites. For freshmen volunteers, the commitment requires three hours of dedication per week on a set day of the week for the entire semester, with service taking place Monday through Friday.

While volunteering, freshmen participants engage in a

variety of activities, including games and activities such as tennis, basketball, freeze tag and arts and crafts. In addition to these recreational activities, tutoring in elementary school subjects and simply hanging out with students are vital parts of the RUIBAL experience.

“I originally got involved with RUIBAL my freshman year because I thought it sounded like an amazing opportunity to get involved in service at Villanova,” junior Sarah Lucenko said. “Because it was a freshman year experience, I was looking for ways to form friendships and become involved in my newfound community. It quickly became one of my favorite things that I do at Villanova.”

The program operates on a yearly basis with consistent partnerships between Villanova and the schools that RUIBAL serves, allowing volunteers to build long-lasting relationships with the children and staff. RUIBAL is a familiar presence in these schools, receiving warm welcomes from both students and staff. The impact extends beyond just academic support, as the program fills a crucial role in providing general help after school. RUIBAL contributes

to the academic growth of the children, but also to their overall well-being and happiness.

Lucenko, who serves as RUIBAL’s justice and reflection chair, is responsible for hosting two social justice forums, which are events for volunteers to learn more about social issues that are affecting the communities in which they serve.

“I love my role as social justice chair because it really helps our members to invest in their own personal development, as well as fosters my own,” Lucenko said. “These topics are hugely important, and anything I can do to teach members about these issues and spread awareness is very

meaningful to me.”

RUIBAL’s executive board is composed of eight student chair positions, including program chairs and partner chairs, who also play roles in organizing and coordinating program events. There are recruitment events at the beginning of each semester, in addition to two bonding events for volunteers to get to know each other better.

The RUIBAL program at Villanova is more than just community service. It is a program that impacts personal growth, fosters community engagement and increases social awareness.

To follow along on RUIBAL’s journey, follow its Instagram @villanovaruibal.

The musical, directed by President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, was a roaring success. MaggieGraw/VillanovanPhotography

Don’t miss your chance to see

Crazy For You at The Mullen Center this week.

MaggieGraw/VillanovanPhotography

Ruibal is headquartered in the newly renovated St. Rita Hall. Maggie Fitzgerald/ Villanovan Photography

Villanova Dining Services

Spring Break Hours of Operation

DOUGHERTY HALL

Dougherty Hall will be open for brunch from 8:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday, 3/2. They will then close for Spring Break and will reopen for dinner at 4:15pm on Sunday, 3/10.

DONAHUE HALL

Donahue Hall will close after dinner on Friday, 3/1. They will remain closed through Spring Break and will reopen at 4:15pm on Sunday, 3/10 for dinner.

ST. MARY’S HALL

St. Mary’s Dining Hall will close after dinner on Friday, 3/1. They will remain closed through Spring Break and will reopen on Monday, 3/11 at breakfast.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

• Meal Plans close on Saturday, 3/2 after brunch & reopen at noon on Sunday, 3/10.

• Select Retail Operations will remain open during Spring Break. If you are on campus during the break, you can use your Food Points and Guest Meals in open Retail Operations.

Enjoy your Spring Break! Please visit our website for a complete list of dining hours.

Lent: What are Villanovans Giving Up?

Maggie Fitzgerald Staff Writer

Lent season is upon us, signified last Wednesday by the sea of heads marked with the sign of the cross drawn in ashes. For Christians, or any others who choose to participate, Lent is a 40-day period of preparation for Easter Sunday. The time is meant to replicate the Biblical story of Jesus Christ fasting for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert, prompting followers of the Christian tradition to practice fasting and almsgiving during the Lent season.

This year, following Tuesday, Feb. 13, otherwise known as “Fat Tuesday,” the period of preparation officially began on Wednesday, Feb. 14. Excluding Sundays, observers will continue Lenten practices for 40 days until Easter Sunday, which falls on March 31 of this year.

The origins of this tradition date back to ancient history, commonly thought to have begun around the year 325 AD. But what does observance of fasting and almsgiving look like in the 21st century? Many choose to participate by giving up a beloved food, drink or dessert, while others focus on performing acts of charity throughout the season. At our Catholic Augustinian University, many students have chosen to participate in the practice, regardless of religious affiliation. Whether

it be opting for the fish option at Dougherty Hall on Friday or abstaining from the tempting shelves of Ben and Jerry’s at Sparket, students have a lot to say about Lent on campus.

Freshman Sophie Dengler is no stranger to the 40 days of fasting. Ever since she can remember, her family has observed the Christian practice, and this year is no different.

“I decided to give up things with added sugar,” Dengler said. “It has already been really difficult, but I wanted to challenge myself with a harder sacrifice.”

Others, like freshman Owen Conrad, are focusing on making changes to their everyday habits, rather than giving up any particular item. Just one week in, he already attests to the effects of this decision on his daily life.

“I had found that swearing made its way into my life too often, making me sound unintelligent,” Conrad said. “After giving up swearing, I realized how unimportant it is to my happiness, and I am trying to make it a permanent change after these 40 days.”

While the continuation of positive Lenten practices may be the outcome of the season for some, others focus on making this a period of intentionality. Sophomore Leah Smith noted that in her Catholic upbringing, she was encouraged to participate in Lent. However, she focuses on giving up something that generates self-re -

flection without depriving her of something that makes her truly happy.

“I think a lot of people take Lent as a diet, but it’s not,” Smith said. “I gave up fried food, which is something that I enjoy that won’t bring me down too much not to eat it, but I am still practicing making a conscious sacrifice.”

For Smith, this Lent will certainly mean more limited Campus Corner options. However, others, like freshman Meg Mullarkey, will be wrestling with a different sacrifice, one many students can certainly understand.

“For Lent, I decided to give up TikTok because it was interfering with my school work because I would aimlessly scroll for hours,” Mullarkey said. “I think that Lent is a time to overall improve yourself, and during this time I’ve been able to cut out what’s not important or adding value to my life.”

With week one gone, five weeks remain before the conclusion of the Lenten period on Easter. So, whether you’re giving up a bad habit or trying to install positive new ones, this Lent season is sure to prove difficult and rewarding for many across campus.

ACT Holds Impactful Diversity Skit

Christopher Brown Staff Writer

“It’s just a word.” How many students on Villanova’s campus have been on the receiving end of words reminiscent of that sentence? How many students or faculty members throughout the nation have talked in such a way and made students feel dehumanized due to their differences?

Last Friday, Feb. 23, the Association for Change and Transformation (ACT), a program within Villanova’s Office of Intercultural Affairs (OIA), reignited the flames of reflection and discourse related to these questions. The group held its esteemed Touch of Diversity Skit 2.0 in Connelly Cinema, with an intercultural affair held outside afterwards. Miranda Febus, the Assistant Director of Intercultural Affairs, and senior Alyane Wollery, Co-President of ACT, headed the event.

“It involves submitting authentic student experiences,” Wollery said, describing the skit’s production process.

Every year, ACT calls for students to submit accounts of real experiences for the members to base their project around. ACT looks at these stories and turns them into a skit performed by undergraduate student volunteers. These volunteers come together during Diversity Week, held the week prior to Orientation, to act out the skit and receive training from staff members. The training

focuses on facilitating topics of intersectionality, socioeconomic status, ability and others of salience to freshmen during Orientation. “The over-emerging theme would be a call-to-action,” Wollery

said of the production. Wollery hoped that students’ take-away is that anyone can be an advocate, regardless of age, and that students are not powerless in these conversations.

Interactions portrayed in the skit included a student in the Muslim community receiving Islamophobic mockery from a roommate simply for her prayer methods and a professor denying the earnest accommodation requests of a student with a visual disability and a writing problem.

“It is kind of striking that we never have a shortage of submissions every year,” Febus said.

After the skit’s conclusion, attendants were treated to an intercultural fair with presentation displays from two other on-campus groups: the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and Stained Glass Films. The former is a support group for members of the Latinx community and students who want to engage in the celebration and education of Latin American cultures with others. The latter is a student-run production company associated with the University’s International Social Justice Documentary Course. It aims to develop documentaries that pass on the knowledge and cultural appreciation gained from members’ experiences in Salvador, Brazil.

For further information about ACT, LASO, Stained Glass Films and other cultural and identity-based organizations at Villanova, visit the VU Groups website, the official Stained Glass Films website or the section of the University website dedicated to the OIA, rebranding to the Office of Belonging and Inclusion (OBI) in the near future.

This Lent season may reduce the amount of loyal student customers in the aisles of Conn Convenience. Maggie Fitzgerald/Villanovan Photography

Captivating images from this year’s Diversity Skit held in Connelly Cinema. Courtesy of Villanova University

VillaVogue: A Guide to the “Wrong Shoe Theory”

Ciara Dursee Staff Writer

Want to elevate your wardrobe with one easy step? Then, let’s discuss what is arguably the most controversial trend to hit social media platforms this past year: the “Wrong Shoe Theory.” Stylist Allison Bornstein coined this term in a video she posted on TikTok last fall. Her proposal was to choose an unexpected shoe to complete any outfit, giving it more edge.

When it comes to fashion, there are a variety of techniques one can use to update their style, but this hack is especially effortless because it does not require you to purchase anything new; all you have to do is grab a pair of shoes from the back of the closet that would not have been a first preference. Take a look in the mirror and voila.

Bornstein utilized the concept of adding a mismatched accessory to an outfit as a way to help constantly update your look, create an interesting vibe and to show true personality.

Below is a beginner guide full of outfit ideas to inspire you with ways you can accomplish this trend.

Wide-leg jeans and ballet flats

This look is your safest option if you are just starting your journey in wearing unconventional

shoes. Ballet flats are a staple shoe that I recommend everyone invest in. Kendall Jenner has been embodying the Wrong Shoe Theory with her slingback ballet flats, put together with puddle jeans and a basic tank top. There are plenty of affordable options, but some of the top brands include The Row, Miu Miu, J.Crew and Gucci. Delicately fabulous.

Tailored trousers and flipflops

Flip-flops add a casual, comfortable element to an elegant tailored trouser. A traditional shoe to couple with this look would be a classic heel or even a loafer, but having this theory in mind changes the game. Fashion icon Ashley Olsen never fails to stand out in a crowded room with her show-stopping outfits and lately, her perplexing shoe choice has been a pair of black flip-flops. Even deep into the winter season, Olsen tends to style her large trench coat, wide-leg trousers, scarf and gloves with this summertime regular shoe choice. Formal dress/maxi skirt and sneakers

If you are anything like me, you cannot stay in high heels, wedges or any nice pair of sandals for longer than an hour without being in pain and wanting to throw on your favorite pair of sneakers. This instance of the Wrong Shoe Theory will assist you with just that.

Athleisure and heeled boots

Athleisure is a combina -

tion of comfort and sporty, such as yoga pants with an oversized jacket. Anyone would assume the “right” shoe for the job is a pair of casual sneakers, however, heeled boots are a stealthier choice that add an extra bit of pizazz. The new Rosie thing heeled booties are a tasteful choice for this scheme. Denim and Tabi shoes

Maison Margiela’s Tabi shoes have always been a consumer favorite. Specifically, the Japanese-inspired black cleft-toe shoe has been a trending commodity to pair with denim blue jeans. Some may say this design is a little too uncanny, but musical artist Dua

Lipa would disagree, as she has been elevating her jeans and basic white shirt with a pair of black leather Tabi Mary Janes. Who knew a mismatched shoe would have so much power? This trend has helped to build encouragement for people to defy unconventional fashion “rules” and take chances to improve their style. A risky direction to take? Potentially. However, embracing creativity and enhancing individuality is a captivating tactic in the fashion industry. Intentionally creating contrast through unconventional pairings invites people to challenge fashion norms.

POWER: Villanova’s Wellness Education Organization

Katie Formato Staff Writer

You have the POWER to take control over your health.

POWER is a student organization in the Office of Health Promotion that provides the Villanova community with resources and tools related to health and well-being. POWER stands for Peers Offering Wellness Education Resource. POWER hosts events and programs, including painting with POWER, Snack N’ Chat with POWER and more. Christina Babyak is the advisor of the Community Advocates of POWER.

“In my role, I help guide our Community Advocates in the program-planning process and help coordinate important programming details that allow their ideas to come to life,” Babyak said. Students in POWER come from varying majors, but all share a passion for health and wellness. Joining POWER allows students to become leaders in their community and provides them with resources to help improve their physical and mental health.

“POWER plays a big role in the Office of Health Promotions’ work,” Babyak said. “POWER members are our eyes and ears of what health and well-being-related issues are going on around campus, which allows us to better address these issues. POWER plays a key role in improving the health and well-being of the Villanova student body.”

There are three branches of POWER, including Administrative Assistants, Interns and Community Advocates.

The Administrative Assistants are responsible for collecting materials used for different programs, distributing the “Stall Street Journal,” setting and cleaning up events, tracking social media analytics, and managing the inventory of supplies used for giveaways. They also help organize staffing for Pet Therapy sessions.

There are three different roles in the internship position: the Event and Logistics Intern, the Publications Intern and the Social Media and Marketing Intern. The Event and Logistics Intern plans programs that professionals lead. The Publications Intern creates the “Stall Street Journal.” The Social Media and Marketing Intern manages the Office of Health Promotions’ social media and marketing.

The Community Advocates organize and implement peer education programs on mental health, substance use, nutrition and physical health, sexual health and sexual violence.

“My favorite thing about being a member of POWER is the learning aspect I didn’t consider when I joined,” Community Advocate Lily Renga said. “I’ve met so many new people especially in the [freshmen] class that I have been able to interact with and have a positive impact on. If you want to be an advocate for other people, if you care about the health and wellbeing of others and the student body as a whole, you should definitely join POWER.”

Community Advocates also host Painting with POWER sessions, where students paint, following a Bob Ross tutorial video, and discuss health resources with a campus expert. They additionally facili-

tate Snack N’ Chat events, where members of POWER lead a guided listening circle discussion.

“My favorite event is small group discussions,” Community Advocate Lauren Armstrong said. “It is very inspiring hearing people from different backgrounds and in different parts of their lives come together on one topic and foster an inclusive conversation and environment.”

Snack N’ Chat small group discussions give students the opportunity to discuss topics such as healthy communication, eating healthy on campus, navigating identity and more.

“A few benefits of being a POWER member are having the ability to address the health and well-being needs of your peers, grow your student leadership and professional skills, gain valuable experience in areas including event planning, social media, marketing, publications and more,” Babyak said.

Applications for students to become members of POWER next semester are due on March 25.

“A future goal for POWER is to strengthen our collaborations with other organizations on campus,” Babyak said. “Many of us have a common goal and bettering the well-being of the Villanova student body. I would love to see all of us come together and unite our strengths to do so.”

To learn more about POWER events and the application process to become a member, you can visit the Office of Health Promotion website and follow POWER on Instagram @VillanovaPower.

Consider upgrading your style this spring with wide leg jeans and a pair of ballet flats. Maggie Fitzgerald/Villanovan Photography

Find the Office of Health Promotion inside Villanova’s Health Services Building. Brian Luppy/ Villanovan Photography

Glad I Exist: A One-Woman Show

Cali Carss Staff Writer

This past week, the Communication Department Studio, a black box theater in Garey Hall, hosted two performances of an original show created by Villanova senior Minh-Chau Scott. Titled Glad I Exist , the one-woman production combined multiple artistic mediums that allowed Scott to produce a story about her research on happiness. She focused on how conditions for happiness have been changing quite drastically. By taking inspiration from her own life, Scott demonstrated the small ways people find happiness while also staying true to the research behind the project.

In the show, Scott used poetry, song and more to reminisce on the music, food and pop culture of her childhood. This allowed audience members to connect to the show through their own experiences and happy memories.

“My favorite part of the show was the moment when I asked the audience to sing ‘Wannabe’ by The Spice Girls with me. It’s something small and silly, but it was a moment that was really what I intended it to be—a shared moment of joy between performer and audience. I wanted everyone to leave feeling like they’d shared

something with each other and with me,” Scott said.

Whether it’s The Spice Girls or any other music reminiscent of childhood, the show helped to reignite memories of pure fun and show that the nostalgia people feel for the things they grew up with are linked very closely with our ideas of happiness.

Even the posters for Glad I Exist that have graced walls on campus the past few weeks ignited a cheerful reaction in students. Colorful and somewhat eclectic, the posters featured doodles of a smiley face, an orange, a paper airplane and piano keys. From the start, it was clear that Glad I Exist was a one-of-a-kind approach to a research presentation.

“I hope that the audience left better able to think about their own happiness and other people’s happiness, and I hope they left with a moment of joy,” Scott said.

With the success of Glad I Exist , one can only hope that these kinds of creative senior research projects can become more commonplace at Villanova. In a preview of the show published by The Villanovan , Scott described her show as a “softer, more artistic Ted Talk,” perfectly encapsulating the unique ways she was able to present her findings and connect them not only to her life, but the lives of her fellow students.

Glad I Exist, the original show written and directed by Minh-Chau Scott. Courtesy of the Department of Communication

SPORTS

Women’s T&F Second at BE Champs, Men’s Third

Dylan Johnson Staff Writer

Villanova men’s and women’s track and field returned to the Main Line with hardware.

The Big East indoor track and field championships took place Friday, Feb. 23 and Saturday, Feb. 24 in Chicago, Illinois.

The men took seven podium spots and placed third overall in team rankings. Four were gold medals.

Senior Liam Murphy and fifth-year Sean Dolan had first-place finishes in the 3000 and 800 meters, respectively. In their events, they broke the championship meet records and school records.

Sophomore Amiri Prescod won his first career Big East title in the 60 meters.

The men won the distance medley relay for the second straight year and the 22nd time overall. The relay team ran a 9:37.24. The team was composed of The quartet of sophomore Marco Langon, sophomore Ronan O’Neill, fifth-year Xian Shively and Murphy.

The women had 11 podium finishes. Out of the 11 podium finishes, four of them were event champions.

Head coach Gina Procaccio guided the women to a top-two team finish for the ninth time in the last 14 years. The women finished second.

Fifth-year sprinter Jane Livingston ended in a three-way tie as the women’s high point scorer and

became the first Wildcat to win the award since 2019.

Livingston was a double champion with gold medals in both the 60-meter (7.47) and the 60-meter hurdles (8.18).

Livingston is only the second female athlete in Big East history to pull off such a feat.

Senior Roschell Clayton won her first Big East indoor title in the high jump.

Junior Sadie Sigfstead claimed a gold medal in the 5000 meters.

Graduate Alex Payne placed third in the weight throw.

Prescod won gold in the 60-meter dash in 6.75 seconds.

Prescod’s time of 6.75 is a personal record. Out of the 12 fastest 60-meter times in school history, Prescod has seven of them.

Dolan was chasing his third straight 800-meter indoor title.

Dolan won the 800-meter by eight-hundredths of a second. The winning time of 1:46.90 broke the Big East meet record and the indoor school record.

Dolan is the first three-time champion in the indoor 800 meters in Big East history and has never lost an 800-meter race in the Big East.

Dolan’s 800-meter time qualifies him for nationals.

Murphy and Langon each beat the 3000-meter Big East meet record by more than eight seconds, securing qualifying times for nationals.

Murphy crossed the finish

line in 7:42.51 and Langon was right behind him in 7:43.83 as the pair each moved into the top 16 of this year’s NCAA descending order list.

“The 3000 meter was a big race,” O’Sullivan said. “I have never seen something like that in my 26 years of coaching.”

Murphy, named the Co-Outstanding Performer of the Meet, now holds the 3000-meter absolute school and Big East meet record.

Murphy additionally qualified nationally for the 5000 meters and the mile.

“I have never seen someone [qualify nationally for three events] in my time coaching,” O’Sullivan said. “Murphy has a huge range to be able to choose between the three. Murphy is rewriting the record books at Villanova.”

Junior Tristan Bolinsky in the shot put and senior Nicholas Mollica in the 400 meters earned gold medals.

Bolinsky threw 15.01 meters to finish second.

Mollica came in third in the 400 meters with a personal best of 48.18.

As for the women, Sigfstead won her second career individual Big East title and the first one indoors with a time of 15:59.18 in the 5000 meters.

“I am really happy to come away with the win [in the 5000-meter race],” Sigfstead said to Villanova Athletics. “A good summer set me up well for this year and coming off cross country. It gave me a lot of confi-

dence heading into the season.”

Sigfstead returned for the 3000 meters and took third place and a personal best of 9:17.10.

Payne placed third in the weight throw. The throw of 19.00 meters is now the fourth-best in school history and a personal best.

It marks the second-ever Villanovan to get a Big East podium finish in the event.

“Going into today, it was about trusting myself,” Payne said to Villanova Athletics. “It was all about turning my brain off, trusting my technique and practice, and just executing.”

Junior Emma McGill, first-years Olivia Allen and Caelen O’Leary, and junior Margaret Carroll placed third in the distance medley relay in 11:33.09.

Clayton needed one jump to secure a gold medal in the high jump.

Clayton was the only one to make it over 1.75 meters. She then hit jumps at 1.80 meters and 1.85 meters, a facility record.

Clayton missed attempts at 1.90 meters. It would have set a new school and Big East meet record.

Fifth-year Adria Retter earned All-Big East honors and a third-place finish with a 13.97-meter personal best throw.

After a successful weekend, some athletes set their focus on nationals.

The indoor track and field NCAA championships will take place Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Wildcat Watch: Two Worlds of Lacrosse

Amanda McKean Sports Columnist

Two weeks ago, Villanova’s men’s and women’s lacrosse teams kicked off their spring seasons and have already picked up a couple of Big East honors along the way. From the women’s team, junior goalie Cate Gallagher, freshman attacker/drawer Emma Verhoest and junior attacker Sydney Pappas were selected for the award. Senior attacker Matt Licata was selected for the award from the men’s team.

Although the men’s team has gone 1-2 so far, it is looking to start a winning streak after its 15-9 win against No. 20 Colgate on Saturday. As for the women’s team, it is looking to bounce back after its 18-9 loss to No.17 Navy.

Nevertheless, as these two teams start rolling into the season, there is a question still looming large: why do men’s and women’s lacrosse look so different?

Lacrosse, although popularized in the 21st century, traces its roots back hundreds of years to Native Americans. By the time a women’s iteration came around in the late 19th and early 20th century, women’s sports were still in their infancy and still revolved heavily around no contact.

With these rules, men’s and women’s lacrosse developed into two distinct styles of playing the game.

“I think [physicality] is a mas-

sive part,” Licata said. “Depending on the defense you play, they’re either big and strong, or more skill-based and a smaller player. It’s completely different in how you’re going to approach that game.”

For men’s lacrosse, physicality plays a large role, where players are required to wear helmets, pads and other protective gear because body checking is allowed.

“With more of a physical player, you can’t let them get to your hands and your body as much, or else you’re kind of too disabled to be able to throw and shoot,” Licata said. “And riding and clearing are dependent on whether you get the ball or you don’t, and whether you’re physical and can get that. If you’re not physical enough and that guy can run right by you and all you’re doing is throwing a stick in front of them, it’s a game changer.”

The women’s game, however, is more complex since it is technically non-contact. This does not mean that there is absolutely no contact, but rather, the players have to be extra

cautious with physicality, especially with the new NCAA rule implementing green cards, or one-minute releasable penalties, that will be given for committing specific fouls within the thirties.

“This year has been a huge change with a new rule change,” Pappas said. “The beauty of playing attack is how when we do miss a shot or turn the ball over, we try to get the ball back so that our defenders don’t have to play defense. But this year, not being able to make that contact within the thirties has limited those opportunities to get the ball back. Now we are just a lot more cautious because we don’t want to make a foul and have our team go down a player.”

As a result of these rules, players are required to use speed and agility on offense and, more importantly, defense.

“I think something that’s similar and awesome for the both of them is that they’re very fast games,” Gallagher said. “Some people call it the fastest or on two feet, which is awesome. I think that the big differ-

ence between men and women is that there’s less protection in the women’s game, and there are more rules of what you can and can’t do. There’s a lot of rules for transition, which I think really slows down the game, which you don’t really see on the men’s side.”

The biggest factor that connects men’s and women’s lacrosse at Villanova is the competitive atmosphere and team culture of both teams.

“Whether you’re playing on the field or not, you are a game changer,” Verhoest said. “That is really important to our team, keeping that positive team culture. After winning Big East Freshman of the Week, the amount of support from my teammates has just been great. The amount of text I received was incredible. Everyone is just so happy for you when you do things like that.”

With about 45 players on each team, it can be hard to manage the fight for one of the coveted 10 or 12 spots on the field. However, for both men’s and women’s lacrosse, every player has a role on or off the field.

“Honestly, the way we interact with each other makes [the team] feel small,” Licata said. “We’re literally just a big friend group and when it comes to the game, everyone on the sideline is hyping everyone up on the field. It’s really exciting having 44 friends or so really just cheering you on from the side.”

Senior attacker Matt Licata (left) and junior attacker Sydney Pappas both earned Big East honors.

Brian Luppy (left), Victoria Margenat (right)/ Villanovan Photography

13 Percent Creates Community for Black Student-Athletes

Owen Hewitt Co-Sports Editor

When men’s soccer senior midfielder Branden Johns isn’t manning the middle of the park for the Wildcats, he fills a different role.

Johns is the president of 13 Percent, one of six UNITAS student-athlete affinity groups. According to its page on the UNITAS website, 13 Percent “represents the black student-athletes at Villanova University.”

The UNITAS program was officially launched in August of 2020 as Villanova Athletics’ dedicated diversity, equity and inclusion effort.

Johns got involved with 13 Percent as a way to find community after the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I originally got involved my sophomore year,” Johns said. “Since I’m a senior, I came in in 2020, and that year was Covid. The only people of color I knew on my campus were myself and my teammates, I didn’t really get to socialize and meet other people like that.”

13 Percent, like the other affinity groups, works to foster a safe environment for discussion of social issues. According to its website, the environment “gives black student-athletes an opportunity to express themselves and be vulner-

able while creating a bond outside the classroom and playing field.”

“Without UNITAS as a whole, it would be a lot harder for people to understand that there are people going through things just like them, have the same beliefs, think the same way,” Johns said. “UNITAS has done a really good job building up diversity, equity and inclusion.”

A major part of what 13 Percent does is facilitate social connections between student-athletes on campus. The organization sponsors different events throughout the year, including an annual poetry slam and a gala.

“We had professional poets come up and speak their pieces,” Johns said of this year’s slam. “We also had a few students sign up and volunteer and speak during open mic night.”

For Johns, getting involved with 13 Percent was a way to make Villanova, something he considers a second home, more comfortable. Now, his goal has become to help other student-athletes find a group that they can be comfortable in.

“[13 Percent] helped me understand that in college you’re going to meet a bunch of different people, but there are also going to be people that are just like you,” Johns said. “Ever since I’ve learned that I’ve been able to take it and spread it throughout campus. A few of my teammates joined 13 Percent after I joined because I feel like I

was talking about it so much.”

Five of Johns’ men’s soccer teammates are now members of 13 Percent. Four of Johns’ teammates hold executive board positions.

As a graduating senior, Johns said that joining 13 Percent was crucial to his collegiate experience.

“Having that additional safe space to talk about any and everything without the pressure of feeling judged or feeling like I would be looked at differently is extremely important.” Johns said. “I know that there are going to be times after college where I might be looked at differently or judged differently based on my beliefs on a topic or something along those lines. So being able to have this reminds you to take a breath, because there are people that go through the same thing as me.”

Johns said that the skills he learned as both a student-athlete and an affinity group president have helped prepare him for life after college. He also added that the lessons he has learned from members of the group that have since graduated have been of great value to him.

“Some of the life lessons that I’ve learned from the founders and former presidents and former members in general, I feel like if I didn’t join [13 Percent] I wouldn’t have learned those lessons as quickly as I had and understand that it’s really important,” Johns said.

Mitchell and de Ruijter Back for Fifth Years

Ali Benjamin Staff Writer

The 2023 Villanova field hockey season produced extreme success for the Wildcats, with an even, 9-9 record and a team total of 49 goals scored. Of those 49 goals, seniors Meghan Mitchell and Sabine de Ruijter contributed 16 and nine, respectively. It is because of both their outstanding athletic ability and demonstration of team leadership that the Villanova field hockey program is fortunate enough to officially welcome Mitchell and de Ruitjer back for a fifth year of eligibility.

In addition to their successes with putting the ball in the net, Mitchell and de Ruitjer exemplify leadership and set a positive example for the rest of the team to follow on and off the field. Both de Ruitjer and Mitchell have made it a priority to leave a lasting impact on the overall team culture.

“For both [Sabine] and I, we’ve had successful careers but it’s also about the team’s success so we want to continue the team’s success,” Mitchell said. “It’s not so much about our individual journeys, but I think both of our goals have been to just leave this program in a better position than we found it four years ago, so I think by taking another year and getting the program to do even better next year is kind of what we want to leave as in a whole team.”

While not an easy decision to make, it is one that will have

long term positive effects on the team as a whole.

“For the two of them to be together staying is literally so exciting,” head coach Joanie Milhous said. “We are really excited about the future, we’re really excited about our incomings and having these two as really great leaders and really great players stay is incredible.”

After a record-setting season for Mitchell, she “wasn’t done with field hockey” and “wasn’t done with the team” quite yet. Putting her professional career and other post-graduate plans on hold to continue her field hockey and academic career was an important and inevitable next step.

“I think the main reason I wanted to come back at Villanova is because this place has always been my home, similar to [Sabine],” Mitchell said. “We’ve been through a lot as a program and as a team and this next season is going to be a really exciting time, so I knew I wanted to be a part of

that and kind of finish my Villanova career off on a really high note.”

“I figured that doing a Master’s in Finance would be a great add for my professional career and also with the prestigious name that the Villanova Business School has it would be almost dumb to not take that or not do that,” de Ruijter said. “And playing here, I love the team, I love the coaches… I started here at Villanova so I want to finish here at Villanova…so it was honestly a no brainer as soon as Joanie asked me to come back.”

Milhous and all of the players have high expectations for the upcoming season, and those goals are in even closer reach with Mitchell’s and de Ruijter’s names staying on the roster. Both players saw their first Big East tournament appearances of their college careers during their senior season and hope to help in bringing the team back there again this year, possibly even walking away with a

WEEKLY SCOREBOARD

Feb. 21 - Feb. 27

Wednesday, February 21

Women’s Lacrosse @ La Salle 14-4 W

Women’s Basketball vs Providence 68-58 W

Thursday, February 22

Friday, February 23

Men’s Track @ Big East Championships 4th of 8

Women’s Track @ Big East Championships 2nd of 9

Softball @ Boston University 1-8 L

Baseball @ Davidson 8-11 L

Men’s Tennis vs Franklin and Marshall 7-0 W

Softball @ No. 8 Duke 0-8 L

Saturday, February 24

Women’s Tennis @ Bucknell 3-4 L

Softball @ Elon 6-7 L

Women’s Basketball @ Creighton 69-79 L

Men’s Lacrosse vs No. 20 Colgate 15-9 W

Men’s Track @ Big East Championships 3rd of 8

Women’s Track @ Big East Championships 2nd of 9

Baseball @ Davidson 3-5 L

Softball @ Michigan State 2-1 W

Women’s Lacrosse @ No. 17 Navy 9-18 L

Men’s Basketball @ UConn 54-78 L

Sunday, February 25

Softball @ No. 6 Duke 5-11 L

Baseball @ Davidson 13-2 W

Monday, February 26

Tuesday, February 27

Men’s Basketball vs Georgetown Post-Production

conference title.

“We’re really big in taking it one game at a time so we’re gonna first focus on winning the first game, but I think some of the goals for the season are obviously to make the Big East tournament again and really win the Big East tournament is something that we’ve never done before but it’s what we want to do and would be amazing as a team,” Mitchell said.”

“If I think about next year, I don’t just want to be a spectator and watch,” de Ruijter said. “I want to be part of it. We made it to the Big East [championships] for the first time in our four years which was awesome, but I think I can speak for both of us. We’re kind of hungry for more.”

Senior forward Meghan Mitchell scored 16 goals last season. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Baseball Goes 1–2 Against Davidson

James Haupt Staff Writer

Villanova went 1–2 against Davidson on Feb. 23–25, bringing its overall record to 1–5.

The first two games were tough losses for Villanova, as it fell just short in both. The opening game on Friday was an offensive battle. The score was 11–8, in favor of Davidson. The Wildcats then dropped another close one on Saturday by a score of 5–3.

The disappointing losses didn’t seem to discourage the ‘Cats heading into their last game of the series on Sunday. They took a 13–2, blowout victory in what was head coach Kevin Mulvey’s 100th win in his career at Villanova.

“I love it here and I’m happy to be the coach of my alma mater,” Mulvey said.

Villanova started hot on Friday, scoring two runs in the first, headlined by an RBI double from graduate first baseman Jack O’Reilly. He finished 1–3 with two RBIs and two walks on the day.

Davidson took over from there, scoring nine unanswered runs heading into the eighth inning. Villanova seemed to be in danger of a blowout loss to start the weekend, but managed to fight their way back with six runs in the top half of the inning.

The Wildcats then allowed two more runs, bringing the score to 11-8 as they had their last op -

Jon Hunn Staff Writer

portunity at the plate. Villanova couldn’t complete the comeback and suffered a three-run defeat.

It was a terrific day at the plate for graduate catcher Jason Neff, who went 3-5 with one walk, two RBIs and two runs scored.

Seven pitchers made an appearance in the loss. Graduate Alec Sachais started the game and pitched the first two innings, recording two strikeouts, no walks and two runs on three hits.

The next pitcher was freshman Jake Francis with one strikeout, three walks and one run on two hits across 1.2 innings. Despite this, Francis was credited with the loss, as the offense never managed to gain the lead back.

Graduate student Zach Camp had the best performance of the day, tossing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts, allowing one hit and a walk. Camp has been a dominant option out of the bullpen to start the season.

Saturday’s action saw a much cleaner game. Davidson started off with a 2–0 lead that stuck until the fourth inning. The Wildcats then took a 3–2 lead after the fifth inning, sparked by a tworun home run from O’Reilly.

Davidson would regain the lead and finish with a 5–3 victory.

Saturday showed the strongest performance from the pitching staff at this point in the season, allowing five runs. Graduate student Rian Schwede started the first four innings with five

strikeouts, no walks and three runs allowed on six hits.

Senior Devin Rivera came into a tied ball game. Rivera recorded six strikeouts and allowed one walk, two runs and four hits across four innings. Rivera was credited with the loss.

“Both [Schwede and Rivera] pitched well, but just not enough to force a win,” Mulvey said. “We are still looking for big-time outs. There were some outs in crucial spots, but we’re not getting that shutdown inning.”

In the last game of the series, the Wildcats were firing on all cylinders and took a 13–2 blowout win through seven innings.

The ‘Cats had a 3-2 lead going into the sixth inning and took full control of the game, scoring 10 runs in the last two innings. Several players had an offensive impact, stuffing the stat sheet.

O’Reilly went 3-5 with

two runs scored, continuing his strong weekend. Graduate student outfielder Scott Shaw went 2-4, including a two-RBI home run in the last inning. Freshman second baseman Trent Toole also had a huge impact, going 1-2 with two walks and three RBIs.

The pitching staff continued to improve, allowing a season-low two runs. Sachais was given the win after pitching one scoreless and hitless inning with two strikeouts. Camp once again dominated out of the bullpen with a three-inning save, recording four strikeouts and no runs or hits.

“Hopefully we can grab onto this momentum and find that confidence,” Mulvey said.

With a strong victory under their belt, the Wildcats will head to California for another threegame series against Loyola Marymount University on March 1 through March 3.

Softball Finishes Duke Invitational 1–4

homer.

The game was called a mercy rule at the top of the fifth.

Villanova traveled south to Durham, NC to compete in the Duke Invitational on Feb. 23–25, finishing the weekend 1–4.

The Wildcats picked up a win over Michigan State and recorded losses to Boston University and Elon, and two losses to Duke.

The team started the invitational falling, 8–1, to Boston University on Friday, Feb. 23.

The Wildcats struck first when senior center fielder Tess Cites led off the game with a solo home run to straight away center field in the top of the first.

BU responded in the home half with three runs on a couple of RBI doubles and an RBI single to go up, 3-1.

Neither team scored again until the bottom of the fifth, when Boston University added five more runs on a Wildcat error and a walk, along with a series of singles.

Both teams put up zeroes the rest of the way, with the ‘Cats recording only four hits.

Senior Caroline Pellicano took the loss, allowing three runs on five hits in four innings.

On Friday against Duke, the Villanova offense again struggled, falling, 8-0, in five innings.

Duke led, 1-0, after three innings. The game unraveled for the ‘Cats in the fourth when the Blue Devils added seven more runs on a three-run double, an RBI bunt single, and a three-run

Senior pitcher Alyssa Seidler was saddled with the loss, surrendering eight runs on six hits in four innings. She also walked three batters and struck out five.

In the Saturday morning tilt against Elon, the ‘Cats suffered a tough, 7-6 loss in extra innings.

Villanova started the scoring when graduate catcher Ally Jones walked with the bases loaded, scoring Cites.

Elon took the lead in the top of the second, adding a pair of runs on a two-run home run.

Villanova then tied the game at two in the bottom of the fourth, when junior shortstop Ava Franz knocked in fellow junior and right fielder Elaina Wagner on a run-scoring double.

Elon went up by two runs in the top of the seventh when two runners scored on a single.

The ‘Cats knotted the game at four when freshman second baseman Grace Reed was hit by a pitch, scoring graduate third baseman Chloe Smith. Sophomore Madison Ostrowski’s pinchhit walk scored redshirt junior first baseman Brooklyn Ostrowski.

Elon added three runs in the top of the eighth on a pair of run-scoring singles and an RBI.

In the bottom half of the eighth, Franz knocked in Cites with a double. Franz later scored on a single from Smith, who had been substituted to DP, putting the

Wildcats within one run.

However, the rally was stifled when B. Ostrowski struck out and Jones grounded out.

Pellicano suffered the loss, allowing five runs on seven hits in three innings pitched.

In the Saturday nightcap, Villanova secured its first win of the tournament, defeating Michigan State, 2–1.

Villanova scored the first runs of the game in the fourth inning, when B. Ostrowski scored on a wild pitch and Reed crushed her second home run of the season, a solo shot off the scoreboard.

“[Reed’s] power is huge, especially as a freshman,” head coach Bridget Orchard said. “We’re facing a lot of power five teams that have pitchers that are throwing high sixties velocity. She’s been able to really hold her own and we’re very excited about her potential.”

Michigan State threatened to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh, trimming Villanova’s lead to one on a sacrifice fly and putting the tying runner on with a walk.

Seidler ended the game on a groundout, recording the complete game victory. Seidler allowed just one run on five hits and two walks while striking out seven in seven innings of work.

“[Seidler] was able to pitch three times through the [Michigan State] order and only hold them to one run, which obviously kept us in the game,” Orchard said. “We

were able to score two, so I think that was big for her confidence and it was big for our team.”

In the final game of the Invitational on Sunday, Villanova fell to Duke, 11–5, in a game that was called due to time constraints.

Villanova scored when Jones doubled home Cites.

Duke responded by plating four runs in the bottom of the first inning and taking a 4–1 lead.

The Wildcats moved within one run in the second when Cites launched a two-run home run, knocking in sophomore pitcher Kelsey White after a long at-bat that featured seven foul balls.

Neither team scored again until the bottom of the fourth, when Duke added two more runs, lengthening its lead to 6-3.

Villanova got back in it at the top of the fifth. Franz smacked a solo home run and freshman pinch-hitter Elizabeth Gray knocked in redshirt sophomore pinch-runner Alexa Raphael with a single, making the score 6-5.

Duke increased its lead by adding three runs in the bottom of the fifth and another two in the bottom of the sixth, before the game was called due to a hard cutoff time.

White took the loss for the Wildcats after allowing six runs (four earned) on seven hits with one strikeout in four innings.

The Wildcats will return to action in the USF Tournament beginning Friday, March 1 in Tampa, Florida.

Graduate pitcher Zach Camp earned the save in Villanova’s 13–2 win over Davidson on Sunday. Courtesy of Villanova Ahtletics

M Tennis Sweeps F&M, 7–0, W Falls, 4–3, to Bucknell

Ollie Currier Staff Writer

On Friday, Feb. 23, men’s tennis hosted and defeated Franklin and Marshall in a triumphant, 7-0 sweep. The following day, the women’s team played an away match at Bucknell and dropped a close, 4-3 decision.

“Overall, I think it was a solid performance,” men’s head coach Brad Adams said. “I think we played a lot better, especially in doubles, which has been sort of a weakness for us this year.”

All three doubles matches ended in narrow, yet well-earned victories by the Wildcats.

“They were tight matches, but I think as teams, they really bonded and gelled to get hardfought wins,” Adams said.

For the first spot, Villanova senior Josh Robinson and freshman Thomas Wakefield defeated pairing Zac Ashtiani and Anthony Casale and won, 7-5. The second doubles pairing, freshman Will Monohan and junior Lukas Choi, also executed a 7-5 victory over Gonzalo Gentou and Pedro Norte.

In third doubles, sophomore Cooper Gordon and senior Eitan Khromchenko played a hard-fought match, eventually beating Luke Brodsky and Campbell Gervais in a tiebreaker, 7-6.

In singles play, Robinson dominated Ashtiani in the first position, winning, 6-2, 6-1. The

second singles match between Nguyen and Brodsky was much more competitive. Despite losing the first set, 2-6, Nuygen rallied to win the next two sets, 6-4, 6-3.

“Getting his second win and playing at that high level was very impressive,” Adams said.

In the final three singles spots, all three Wildcats executed dominant performances. Monohan defeated Samuel Donelly, 6-3, in both sets. Khromchenko continued his winning streak in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4, and Choi defeated Norte in a pro set, 8-3.

Up next, the Wildcats will compete in the Pacific Coast Doubles Championship in La Jolla, CA on Feb. 29.

“It’s a long tournament and a long couple days, so we’re focused on making sure our bodies are healthy and ready to go for an eight-day stretch out in California,” Adams said.

On Saturday, Feb. 24, the women’s team traveled to Bucknell to take on the Bison, losing 4–3.

“It was a disappointing match,” women’s head coach Steve Reiniger said. “I felt like we should’ve won.”

In first doubles, graduate students Ami Grace Dougah and Amanda Rivera-Gonzalez skillfully secured the lone, 6-3 win over Whitney King and Abby Platt. Sophomore duo Maggie Gehrig and Emi Callahan fell, 6-4, in the second spot to Tyne Miller and Anna Lajos, while senior Bella

Steffen and freshman Jenna Stevens dropped, 6-1, to Madi Sebulsky and Caroline Marcus.

To kick off the singles matches, Dougah once again asserted dominance in an impressive, 6-4, 6-1 performance over King.

“[Dough] makes no excuses, makes great in-game adjustments and is always positive,” Reiniger said.

Another positive highlight for Villanova was sophomore Maggie Geherig’s three-set victory over Lajos, 6-7, 7-5, 6-2.

“She’s done that in the last couple of matches where she’s dug herself a hole but fought to get back out of it, which is good to see,” Reiniger said.

In third singles, freshman Miriam Gondorova lost, 6-2, in both sets by Platt. Freshman Lau -

ren Monti answered with a 6-1, 6-2 victory in the sixth spot over Bucknell’s Tori Allen. Subsequently, fifth singles player, Emi Callahan, fell to Mair, 6-2, 7-5.

With both teams tied at 3-3, the match came down to fourth singles between junior Valieriia Kornieva and Bucknell’s Miller. After two sharply contested sets, Kornieva was outlasted by Miller in the third set, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. The team’s record is now 2-7.

Next week, the women’s team will travel to Orlando, FL, beginning with Creighton and Stonehill College on March 6.

“One thing about our team is that effort is never an issue,” Reiniger said. “Neither is attitude. They’re always trying to pick each other up and support one another. So hopefully we can turn it around starting in Orlando.”

Women’s Lacrosse Defeats La Salle, Falls to Navy

Genna Cottingham Staff Writer

This past week, Villanova went 1-1 in two road games. After defeating La Salle University in Philly, the ‘Cats traveled to Maryland, where they were defeated by the United States Naval Academy. Villanova is now 3-2 on the season and currently sits at third place in the Big East standings.

Last Wednesday, Feb. 21, ‘Nova beat La Salle, 14-4, at McCarthy Stadium in Philadelphia.

Freshman attacker Jillian Vaught achieved her first career goal seconds before the end of the second period. Vaught did not stop there, going on to score two more goals and achieving her first career hat trick on the same day.

Junior attacker Sami Carey scored a hat trick, as well, with two unassisted goals and one executed with the help of junior defender Maddy Stoddard. Junior attacker Sydney Pappas notched two goals last Wednesday, one assisted by Carey.

La Salle is number five in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Although the Wildcats defeated the Explorers by 10, La Salle’s sophomore goalie made nine saves against the ‘Cats. Two Villanova goalies, junior Cate Gallagher and freshman Mackenzie Fisher, combined for a total of seven saves.

Freshman Emma Verhoest led the ‘Cats in draw controls with 14 on Wednesday’s win.

On Saturday, Feb. 24 Villa -

nova traveled to Annapolis, Maryland, where it was defeated by the United States Naval Academy, 18-9. Navy has a season record of 3-0 and is currently in first place in the Patriot League conference. Pappas scored six goals against Navy, two of which were assisted by Carey and one by Gulmi. Two of Pappas’ goals were free position shots.

The only time Villanova tied the score was two minutes into the first period, 1–1.

Freshman midfielder Rose Christie scored the first goal of the game, which was assisted by

freshman midfielder Mary Moore. Junior midfielder Katie Giordano scored a goal, assisted by Gulmi to start off the third period. Carey also had a goal in the third period assisted by Cara Moreau.

Junior defender Amelia Ricciuti gained six ground balls and one cross turnover last Saturday. Verhoest won five draw controls against Navy’s own Alyssa Daley. Freshman defender Cailin Harrington had three ground balls and one cross turnover against the midshipmen.

Navy recorded seven goals

in the first period. Junior attacker Tori DiCarlo achieved seven goals against the ‘Cats. Junior midfielder Emily Messinese scored five goals in the first half alone. Daley won 10 draw controls against ‘Nova. The goalies for the Wildcats, and Navy’s Felicia Giglio had a shared save count of seven.

Although the Wildcats were more successful in clears going 16-18 across the four periods, it was not enough to reign victorious against the powerful Navy team. The ‘Cats will play Saint Joseph’s on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 1 p.m. at home.

Villanova played two road games over the weekend, beating La Salle 14–4 and losing to Navy 18–9. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Women’s tennis fell 4–3 in a close match against Bucknell. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

MBB Preview: Providence and Seton Hall

James Haupt Staff Writer

As the season nears its end and the NCAA tournament awaits, Villanova has crucial Big East road games coming up against Providence and Seton Hall.

On Saturday, March 2, the Wildcats take on Providence, which sits above Villanova as the fifth place team in the Big East, with a 9-7 conference record and 18-9 overall record.

Providence is coming off a three-game winning streak in the Big East but has proven to be inconsistent this season.

Prior to its winning streak, Providence lost, 75-72, against Butler, which sits at the bottom of the conference. But it also took a 91-87 victory against Creighton, which is fourth in the Big East and ranked 12th in the nation.

The Friars squad is led by junior guard Devin Carter, who leads in almost every team statistical category. He averages 19.3 points per game, highest in the conference. Carter also averages 8.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals, making him a dangerous option in all parts of the game.

Senior forward Josh Oduro averages 16.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.4 blocks per game. Carter and Oduro make up one of the most dangerous duos in the NCAA.

Junior forward Bryce

Hopkins, who was averaging 15.5 points and 8.6 rebounds, has been injured for nearly two months and will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. This was a major loss for the Friars and is part of the reason they have struggled late in the season.

Providence has been inefficient shooting the ball this season, which will give Villanova the edge. It is shooting 45.3% overall, 32.8% from three-point range and 70.6 from the free-throw line.

Providence will likely have to rely on its defense, who has allowed similar shooting splits. Villanova has also had a tough time shooting, so the Friars can take the victory by exploiting this.

They then face Seton Hall on Wednesday, March 6. It is the third best team in the conference, with an 18-9 overall record and 11-5 in conference.

Seton Hall has managed to be a top-three seed in the Big East. It is coming off a three-game winning streak of its own, with its last loss coming from Villanova.

The team is led by senior guard Kadary Richmond. He’s averaging 16.3 points, 5.0 assists and 2.1 steals per game, which are all team highs. He also averages 7.0 rebounds per game, the second highest on the team.

The Pirates have two other players in double digits, senior guards Al-Amir Dawes and Dre Davis. Dawes is averaging 14.6 points per game, while Davis aver-

ages 14.0 points per game with 5.7 rebounds per game.

Seton Hall has been labeled the “Giant Killers,” due to wins over Marquette and UConn, both top-five teams in the nation.

The Pirates’ success comes from their rebounding and rim protection. They average 35.2 rebounds and 4.7 blocks per game.

They will look to continue this stifling defense in their matchup against the Wildcats and give their playmakers the opportunity to take over the game.

Villanova (8-8 Big East, 15-12) currently sits in sixth place in the Big East. It is coming off a disappointing blowout loss, 78-54, on Feb. 24 to UConn, the thirdbest team in the nation.

In the loss to UConn, graduate student forward Tyler Burton was on the bench. Senior guard

Hakim Hart took his place. More lineup changes can be expected in these upcoming matchups.

Two Wildcats missed Tuesday’s matchup against Georgetown: senior guard TJ Bamba with a facial fracture, and junior guard Jordan Longino with a nonCOVID illness.

The ‘Cats have faced the Pirates and Friars earlier this season. They defeated the Friars, 68-50, on Feb. 4 and took down Seton Hall, 80-54, on Feb. 11.

Villanova has had much success against both teams throughout the history of the franchise. It is 29-17 all-time against Providence and 33-11 against Seton Hall. It will look to continue this success in these next games against its Big East rivals as it makes a push for the NCAA tournament.

WBB Preview: No. 10 UConn and DePaul

Katie Lewis Co-Sports Editor

Villanova (10–6 Big East, 17–10) will finish its regular season schedule this week with a matchup against the Big East’s first-place team, UConn, followed by its tenth-place team, DePaul.

The ‘Cats are coming off a 79–69 road loss to Creighton that dipped them from third to fourth in the conference.

On Wednesday, Feb. 28, Villanova will travel to Storrs, CT to face No. 10 UConn (16–0 Big East, 24–5). The game will be broadcast on SportsNet New York at 7 p.m.

Villanova will be back on its home court at the end of the week for its last regular-season game against DePaul (4–12 Big East, 12–17). Tip-off at the Finn on Sunday, March 3 is scheduled for 5 p.m.

Villanova brought high energy to its recent contests against Providence on Feb. 21 and Creighton on Feb. 24. The Wildcats started both games with more than 50 percent shooting in the first quarter.

While Villanova left Providence with an important, 68–58 win, Creighton forged a second-half comeback that Villanova could not stave off.

Junior guard Lucy Olsen built onto her outstanding season in her last two performances, dropping more than 25 points in each. Olsen leads the 2023–2024

Big East in scoring, averaging 23.6 points per game. Despite Olsen’s dependability, the Wildcats have recently experienced some unexpected change. Villanova has played without injured starter, junior guard Zanai Jones, for the last three games.

Junior forward Christina Dalce and freshman guard Maddie Webber helped spearhead the offense against Creighton, each reaching double digits in points.

On the defensive side, Dalce leads the Big East in both rebounding, averaging 10.1 per game, and blocks, averaging 2.5 per game.

The Wildcats will need to show their resilience and offensive power against UConn and DePaul to finish the regular season on a high note before the Big East

Tournament begins on March 8.

Breaking UConn’s undefeated Big East status on Wednesday night would be a feat for Villanova. Nevertheless, the matchup will be a test of Villanova’s tournament readiness and improvement from earlier in the season.

In their last meeting on Jan. 31 at the Finn, the Huskies, coached by Geno Auriemma, defeated the ‘Cats, 81–60. They were led by senior forward Aaliyah Edwards, with 22 points, and redshirt junior guard Paige Bueckers, with 21.

The Wildcats beat the Huskies on multiple places on the Big East stat sheet, despite their formidable record.

Edwards and Bueckers are both right behind Villanova’s leading duo of Dalce and Olsen in

Big East rankings. Edwards records the second-highest rebounds in the conference, averaging 9.5 per game. Bueckers averages the second-highest points, with 20.5 per game.

Most recently, UConn demolished DePaul, 104–67, on the road. Edwards recorded a season-high 17 rebounds.

The matchup on March 3 will be the last regular season game for both Villanova and DePaul before the Big East Tournament.

The Blue Demons were no problem for the ‘Cats during their last meeting on Jan. 28, which resulted in a 95–64 victory. After a competitive first quarter, Villanova used a balanced offense to run away with the lead for the rest of the game.

Graduate guard Anaya

Peoples, a transfer from Notre Dame, leads the Blue Demons with an average of 17.6 points per game. Peoples is also DePaul’s top rebounder, averaging eight per game.

DePaul, coached by Doug Bruno, will have a matchup against Butler on Wednesday, Feb. 28 before heading to Villanova.

UConn holds the all-time series record over Villanova, 81–60. The last time the ‘Cats came out with a win over the Huskies was a 72–69 edge on Feb. 9, 2022.

DePaul also owns the alltime series record over Villanova, 16–11. However, the Wildcats have won in their last five matchups.

After a 78–54 loss to No. 3 UConn, Villanova will play Providence and Seton Hall. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Villanova will finish its regular schedule against UConn on Feb. 28 and DePaul on March 3. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

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