The Villanovan | Volume 115, Issue 6: March 22, 2023

The Finneran Finale: Wildcats Advance to Sweet 16

Brooke Ackerman Co-Sports Editor

Seventy-six seems to be a lucky number for Villanova women’s basketball.

That number is exactly how many points the Wildcats put up in both their first and second round wins of the NCAA Division 1 Tournament.

The No. 4 Wildcats had the privilege to host the first two rounds of March Madness this year and took on No. 13 Cleveland State in round one, winning, 76-59, and No. 12 Florida Gulf Coast in the second round, posting a 76-57 triumph.

Against CSU on Saturday, March 18, forward senior guard Maddy Siegrist had her usual standout performance, putting up 35 points, which contributed to her season total of 1050.

This made her the fifth player in women’s Division I basketball history to score 1000 points in a single season.

It wasn’t just Siegrist that had a noteworthy performance in the ‘Cats win over CSU.

Sophomore guard Lucy Olsen also had added nine points, while junior guard Bella Runyan and sophomore guard Kaitlyn Orihel came off the bench to combine for 22 points in the game.

“We certainly set the tone from the beginning and did everything necessary to advance to the next round on our home court,” head coach Denise Dillon said.

In the final quarter, the Vikings put up a valiant effort, scoring 25 points, but Villanova continued to maintain its dominating lead.

It was also the support from a high-energy Finneran Pavilion that helped the ‘Cats stay motivated.

“It was a once in a lifetime experience,” Runyan said.

Siegrist agreed with Runyan, noting how “huge” the fan support was.

“Last year we were just happy to be there, but, to play at home, it’s just something, you know?” Siegrist said. “We cherish that, and now we

get to play at home again.”

With two days of practice in between rounds, the Wildcats took the momentum from their first tournament win into the round of 32, as they geared up to take on FGCU in a packed Finneran Pavilion on Monday, March 20.

In Villanova’s win over the Eagles, it was a dual effort from Siegrist and Olsen that had fans on their feet.

Siegrist dropped 31 points to break the NCAA DI record for most consecutive 20 point games, while Olsen scored a career-high 23 points,

grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out seven assists.

With those numbers, the First and Second Team All Big-East duo combined for 54 of Villanova’s overall points on the night.

“I think the greatest thing about this team has been, you know, it’s not just about Maddy…[everyone] was contributing and making shots,” Dillon said.

The Wildcats maintained their lead throughout the game, which allowed Dillon to sub out her starters early, resulting in a standing ovation for Siegrist in what would be her final game at the Finn.

A full substitute lineup then took the court with just over a minute remaining, allowing the entire team to relish in their final home game of the season.

“You’re not passing that opportunity up,” Dillon said. “You have to enjoy those moments, or you’re gonna lose the innocence of the game. We’re gonna soak it up as much as [we] can, and then regroup.”

With the first and second round wins behind them, the pressure is on for the Wildcats as they say goodbye to their home court for the remainder of their 2022-23 season.

“Villanova’s a Final Four level team,” FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. “To me, that’s how good they are.”

With their eyes set on the Final Four, the Wildcats will head to Greenville, South Caroline to go dancing in their first Sweet Sixteen in 19 years.

I’m Gone To Carolina: Wildcats Prepare for Greenville Regional

Colin Beazley Co Editor-in-Chief

Greenville, South Carolina was once known as “The Textile Capital of the World.” The city is the home of disgraced baseball great Shoeless Joe Jackson, future NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett and Major Rudolf Anderson Jr., the only person killed by enemy fire in the Cuban Missile Crisis.

However, over the weekend, Greenville will be better known for another reason: it will become one of two centers of the women’s college basketball universe.

This weekend, Greenville will host eight teams in two regionals with two berths to the Final Four on the line. No. 4 seed Villanova is one of those teams, heading to South Carolina after knocking off No. 13 Cleveland State and No. 12 Florida Gulf Coast at the Finneran Pavilion in the first two rounds of the tournament.

Joining the Wildcats in the Southeast are some of the most interesting teams remaining in the tournament. Villanova will face No. 9 Miami on Friday in the Sweet 16, while No. 2 Utah plays No. 3 LSU on the opposite side of the bracket. The winners of each game will advance to play each other on Sunday.

Miami (21-12) was not expected to make it to the tournament’s second weekend. The Hurricanes defeated No. 8 Oklahoma State (and former Wildcat Lior Garzon) on Saturday, erasing a 17-point halftime deficit to win 62-61. Miami then faced No. 1 Indiana on the Hoosiers’ home court, pulling the upset, 70-68, on a Destiny Harden jump shot with 3.3 seconds to go.

Harden is the team’s second leading scorer, averaging 12.1 points and 5.8 rebounds. However, she is not the headliner. The Hurricanes are best known for the Cavinder twins, a pair of 5-6 guards from Arizona with more than four million followers on TikTok. Haley is the star, averaging 12.6 points and shooting 41% from three, but Hanna contributes off the bench, playing 17 minutes per game.

Despite the upset, the Hurricanes haven’t exactly dominated this year. They finished seventh in the ACC and shot just 31% from behind the arc during the season but got hot from deep against Indiana, going 8 for 14. Miami and Villanova do have one common opponent this season, as the Hurricanes lost to DePaul, 98-83, in mid-November, while the Wildcats won three close matchups against the Blue Demons.

If Villanova beats Miami, it will likely go into a tournament game as the underdog for the first time in four matchups. However,

it’ll be close — No. 8 Utah and No. 9 LSU were the two teams directly ahead of No. 10 Villanova in the final AP poll.

LSU (28-2) has grabbed more headlines this year. The Tigers started 23-0, only losing to undefeated South Carolina and historic power Tennessee in the SEC semifinals. Per Her Hoops Stats, the Tigers have the nation’s sixth best offense and the fifth best defense.

The Tigers are also led by one of the greatest, yet most infamous, coaches in the women’s game. Kim Mulkey is in her second season as LSU’s head coach after 21 years and three national championships at Baylor. Controversy follows her wherever she goes, as Mulkey tends to speak her mind — but so do her results. The Tigers went 9-13 the year before Mulkey arrived and 26-6 the year after.

But, the Wildcats are familiar with their star. Sophomore forward Angel Reese is the Tigers’ top player, averaging 23.8 points and 15.7 rebounds. She was one of five players to be named AP All-Americans, joining Villanova’s Maddy Siegrist on the team. Villanova faced Reese last year when she played at Maryland, and she scored 23 points in just 23 minutes in a blowout Terrapin win. However, the Utes come in as the higher seed. Utah (27-4) is currently having its best season in program history, tying national

powerhouse (and NCAA one seed) Stanford for the Pac-12 regular season title. Their success has been largely unexpected. The Utes were picked to finish fifth in the Pac-12 this year, but utilized the nation’s fourth highest scoring offense to rise as high as No. 3 in the nation in the AP Poll.

The Utes score 83.5 points per game, but can score much more, most notably tallying 124 points against a very good Oklahoma team in November. Junior forward Alissa Pili is the leading scorer, averaging 21.0 points, but the Utes have a deep rotation, with 10 players who average 10 or more minutes per game.

While Utah is good, it is beatable, especially away from Salt Lake City. The Utes were 14-0 at home, but they were upset by the Pac-12’s seven seed Washington State in the first round of the conference tournament in Las Vegas. (The Cougars lost to FGCU in the NCAA First Round at Villanova.)

The Wildcats will head to Greenville on Wednesday night ahead of their Friday matchup with Miami (2:30 p.m., ESPN). Utah and LSU will tip-off immediately after.

Greenville will be one of the centers of the women’s college basketball universe on Friday and Sunday.

Villanova hopes it can be more — another stop on the road to the Final Four.

The Wildcats had a commanding 76-59 win over Cleveland State on Saturday. Graydon Paul/Villanovan Photography

A Cappella Palooza Event

Carter Smith Staff Writer

Last Friday, March 17th, 2023, Jake Nevin Fieldhouse hosted Villanova’s biggest event of the year. No, it’s not NOVAdance, Special Olympics or even 1842 Day - it is A Cappella Palooza.

“Palooza” is regarded as the Villanova a cappella community’s biggest performance of the year, where all eight a cappella groups perform a ten-minute song set, complete with themed wardrobing and choreography.

For the readers who have not already attended a Palooza during their time at Villanova, the presidents of all eight a cappella groups, collectively known as the Directors of Villanova A Cappella (DVAC), wished to comment on what they were most excited for going into the event.

“Minor Problem most wants to showcase how close we are and that we know how to work hard while also having fun together, and I feel like our set shows how much we love each other and how much fun we have,” junior Skylar Musick, president of Minor Problem, said when asked about her group’s biggest focus going into the event.

Senior Alex Petrozzi, president of the Sirens, also commented.

“Our set is very experimental,” she said. “We’re technically doing fi ve songs. There is a mash-up and one song that blends into another, so it’s a little scary, but it has been a lot of fun and I think we have really embraced the challenge.”

“Palooza is one of those moments where we sit down to put together

Continued on p. 10

Rick Steves on Campus

p. 4

Women’s Tennis Goes 1-1 on the Weekend p. 13

NOVAdance Raises More Than $500,000 at Annual Dance Marathon

March 18th, 2023

has been marked off as being the day of NOVAdance on Villanova students’ calendars since August. It was set as the day to come together in the Jake Nevin fi eld house to stand, dance, sing and fundraise from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., in honor and recognition of Villanova’s B+ Heroes. Students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, and involved as members of the Moral Committee, Sidekicks, Engagement Coordinators, Committee, Team Leaders, Hero Liaisons and Gen-

eral Participants, all came together to celebrate the work and fundraising that was done for NOVAdance this school year. The energy was high, as were the amount of energy drinks consumed.

Hour after hour, themes ranged from Broadway to LipSync to Disnelodian, and the most impactful hour: Hero Hour. This year, Hero Hour was especially special, as Villanova’s very own Brandon Gonzalez was recognized as the newest Forever Hero. His mother, Maria Gonzalez, shared a beautiful testimony, and his brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon

stood in solidarity as they fundraised in honor of Brandon. Together, students and heroes stood, to remember those who lost their battle and to celebrate those still fi ghting. There was not a dry eye in the room when Joe McDonough took the stage and shared his experience.

“Being able to cry and then dance in the same [room] 30 minutes [later was] unlike any experience I have ever had, and the power of the program is very clear,” sophomore Engagement Coordinator

Colin Nemeth said. “Cancer has impacted so many more people than you can imagine, and I NOVA-

dance to help families like mine. My cousin Daphne passed from a severe brain cancer called DIPG. Its research is underfunded, and the cancer is very quick and dangerous.”

Nemeth is one of many who NOVAdance for their own families. The personal connections are what help to drive motivations to fi ght for a cure and fundraise for families.

This year’s Co-Executive Directors were seniors Ally Dorsey and Shannon Kauber. Both Dorsey and Kauber have put in months upon months of work into this day.

“I have learned to

Continued on p. 4

Softball Sweeps Creighton in Home Opener

Katie Lewis Staff Writer

Villanova’s softball team came out strong at this weekend’s home opening series against Creighton, sweeping the Big East adversary, 3–0.

The Wildcats, with a 13–13 overall record and 5–1 conference mark, rose to second place in the Big East.

Following a schedule change due to cold weather forecasts for Sunday, Friday’s

p. 5

matchup became a double-header as the Wildcats took their home fi eld.

In the fi rst game of the weekend, Villanova came

out on top, 4–3. Freshman Kat Gallant pitched a complete game, holding back the Bluejays with fi ve strikeouts and

allowing just two earned runs and one walk.

The Wildcats took a 1–0 lead in the second inning when sophomore outfi elder Kelsey White blasted her fi rst home run of the season. The following inning, Villanova took advantage of a Creighton error after a hit by senior third baseman Chloe Smith, to score another run.

Trouble arrived for the Wildcats when the Bluejays gained a 3–2 edge with a sacrifi ce fl y in the fi fth inning,

Continued on p. 13

p. 14

NOVAdance committee members and leaders reveal the 2023 dance marathin total of $505,311.35 Gabi Frank/Villanovan Photography

Author Tsering Yangzom Lama Visits Villanova

Villanova Softball team members playing in the outfield. Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography

Lauren Armstrong Staff Writer

Disorderly Conduct/Hate

Crimes

March 6, MAIN CAMPUS GROUNDS

A staff member reported three unaffiliated juvenile males were yelling racial slurs.

Criminal Mischief

March 7 - March 8, ST. CLARE

HALL

A staff member reported the glass on a washing machine in St. Clare Hall was broken. Estimated cost of the repair is unknown at this time.

Liquor Underage

March 13, KLEKOTKA HALL

One female resident student, under the age of 21, was evaluated by VEMS for alcohol intoxication and transported to Bryn Mawr Hospital.

CORRECTIONS

Sexual Extortion

December 9 - March 13 SHEEHAN HALL

A resident student reported being extorted for money resulting from a social media connection.

Sexual Extortion

February 1- March 13, SHEEHAN HALL

A resident student reported being extorted for money resulting from a social media connection

Disorderly Conduct

March 16, BARTLEY HALL

A staff member reported several students inside Bartley Exchange throwing chairs and kicking tables.

Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition

March 20, MAINTENANCE BUILDING

A staff member reported that their long board skateboard valued at $200 was stolen.

Factual errors are corrected as soon as they are brought to The Villanovan’s attention. Please send an e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com to report errors.

NOVAdance Marathon

Lauren Armstrong Staff Writer

Rick Steves on Campus

enjoy the little things,” Dorsey said. “From Tuesday night meetings to many trips to the storage unit, each and every little thing that we did for NOVAdance made my Villanova experience so much better. I am forever grateful for the NOVAdance family and cannot begin to thank each and every student who helped us succeed this year.”

This year was the 10th anniversary of NOVAdance. Students were eager to see how much money was raised for the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, and to see a difference in the final fundraising amount in comparison to past years.

Junior Rosa Marfia has been a part of NOVAdance for her past three years at Villanova. Beginning as a Sidekick her freshman year, becoming a Hero Liaison last year, and being on the committee as one of three Engagement Coordinator Chairs this year, NOVAdance holds a very special place in Marfia’s heart.

“In my time with NOVAdance, I have learned numerous things,” Marfia said. “Being a Sidekick helped show me a passion I had that I never knew existed. It taught me to be outgoing, to be fearless. Being on the committee has taught me even more, it has taught me how to work with a team, and how to be a leader. It has taught me that we are capable of making a difference.”

While students were dancing and singing in the main room, the Reflection Room was down the hall and gave participants an opportunity to read and reflect. The room was dark and was filled with letters, pictures and videos from the families of the B+ Heroes.

“I snuck into the reflection room during the last of the Lip Sync Battles and the room was completely empty,” Marfia said. “It was just me. I went throughout the

room, looking at pictures of heroes and reading the letters so many families have written to the B+ Foundation, and I just started crying. I took it all in and it all hit me. All the hard work, late nights and time and effort we have put into NOVAdance this year, all went into this. To the families and children I was reading and looking at. It puts life into a whole new perspective.”

This year’s top fundraiser teams were Sidekicks, Kappa Delta, Chi Omega, Engagement Coordinator Team and Morale Committee. The top individual fundraisers were Grant LeMay, who fundraised $10,466, Audrey Trussell with $9,165, BJ Wenzel with $7,516, Ally Dorsey with $7,405 and Caroline Jakubik with $6,005.

Together, with all the hard work, dedication and drive to help these kids and families, NOVAdance 2023 raised $505,311.35. Villanova will always be dedicated to helping to fundraise and be there for its heroes: Rebekha, Correll, Jack, James, Harry, Frankie, Blair, Jibby, Tony, Lilly, Sebastian, Danny, Ellie, Christos and Andrew. Everything done is for the kids, and let the countdown to NOVAdance 2024 begin.

Cate McCusker Senior Editor

On Wednesday, March 1, The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia hosted the one and only Rick Steves in the Connelly Center for a conversation on travel.

Steves is a writer and TV personality, best known for his popular public television series Rick Steves Europe, where he travels around Europe to offer travelers tips and tricks for lodgings, transportations and places to visit on their own journeys.

Rick Steves’ Europe, founded in 1976, brings 30,000 travelers to Europe annually with his small group tour program.

Steves explained that his goal is to “inspire Americans to venture beyond Orlando” and see the world.

“The world’s a beautiful place,” he said. “Let’s get to know it.”

Steves spoke of how important travel is, not only to just to see the world, but also how it affects us politically.

“Travel is a really important force for peace,” he said. “People who travel want to build bridges…the people who don’t want to build walls.”

He explained how it is important for people to get out of their comfort zones and to be in an area where they can’t live their normal life.

“You meet people,” he said. “That’s what carbonates the experience.”

Steves spoke about a particular experience he had while traveling in Iran. He was driving when a person approached his car and handed him a bouquet of flowers to apologize for the traffic delays – an unprompted act of kindness.

Steves described himself

as a cultural chameleon, because, when he is in a different area with different people, he tries to live like them.

He eats chocolate in Belgium, drinks tea in England and sips whiskey in Scotland.

“Don’t demand what you’re used to, try what other people are enjoying,” he said. “Give yourself a chance to appreciate things on their terms.”

Steve s encouraged Americans to have a broader view of the world and to understand that, even if we do something a certain way, it doesn’t mean it is the norm or the best way to do it, such as eating with your fingers or going to the bathroom without sitting down.

“I think it’s important to travel and celebrate diversity without being so darn afraid of things,” he said. “It’s not about right or wrong, just don’t think we are the norm.”

Another topic Steves emphasized was the importance of climate change.

He explained how it is affecting some of the greatest destinations, referencing the major flooding in Venice, and that it is a global responsibility to combat climate change.

“As a family of nations, we need to get serious about climate change,” he said.

After Steves’ speech, audience members were able to ask him about his favorite tips and tricks.

He explained that his favorite place is Cinque Terre on the coast of Italy, and he encouraged everyone to journal while they traveled, so they can remember what they did and how they felt in that moment.

University students enjoyed hearing from such an experienced travel writer.

Like Steves always says, until next time, keep on traveling.

Author Tsering Yangzom Lama Visits Villanova

Lauren Kourey Staff Writer

On March 16th, author and activist Tsering Yangzom Lama visited Villanova to discuss and read her debut novel, We Measure the Earth with our Bodies. Lama’s novel was listed as a New York Times Summer Reads Pick, won the 2023 GLCA New Writers Award for Fiction and was a finalist for the Scotiabank Giller Prize. She received her MFA in Writing from Columbia University.

The English Department and its class “Authors On and Off the Page” hosted Lama as part of their Literary Festival Series. In the class, students have the opportunity to read the works of visiting authors before meeting them. Villanova seniors

Harry Wasnak and Casey Conniff introduced Lama at the event.

Wasnak and Conniff educated the audience on Lama’s background. She was born in Nepal as a Tibetan refugee, and her family has spent time in a refugee camp on the border. Lama’s novel tells the story of Tibetan families, exploring the topics of immigration and exile.

“[Lama’s novel] explores the spaces in between citizenship, homecoming and belonging,” Conniff said.

“I was invited [to Villanova] over a year ago when I didn’t know anybody would care,” Lama said, before reading a bit of her novel.

“Special thanks to Villanova for that.”

The first passage Lama read was the beginning of her novel, which begins with the invasion of Tibet.

“When I think of the modern story of Tibet, it does begin with the loss of our country,” she told the audience. An important character in Lama’s novel is a female oracle, and Lama acknowledged the inaccurate perceptions of these ancient Tibetan traditions.

“[Many view] these things [as] considered backward, superstitious and inferior [but in modernity, those traditions have] saved communities for centuries, if not millennia,” she said. “[These people were] the original ecologists or environmentalists. [Their work] is about a connection to the divine through the land.”

During the Q&A, Lama

spoke of the importance of oral storytelling, and how it is not inferior to the written word.

“In the literary space, we privilege written word and think that’s the beginning of storytelling,” she said.

“Oral storytelling is universal and old, and everyone knows how to do it. You need a lot of privilege to write a novel. That’s not a privilege many Tibetans have.

“Tibetans are very powerful storytellers. My mother is not a fluent reader, but she is always telling me stories.”

Recognizing the necessity of storytelling, Lama is a Storytelling Advisor at Greenpeace International, an organization that prioritizes a “green

and peaceful future.”

Lama explained the presence of the “nameless saint” in her novel and its purpose. She spoke of the destruction of colonialism on objects and people.

“Objects lose their stories as the result of colonialism,” she said “A lot of Tibetans are like that. They have created their own names and pick their own birthdays.”

Lama was also inspired by a real statue she saw in the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City.

“[The statue] was a small mudstone statue that looked different from the gold-plated ones,” Lama said. “It had a very peculiar expression that looked very human. It looked pained and complex, very open to interpretation.”

When asked about the novel’s reception in Tibetan communities, Lama told the audience how the most important thing for her was that Tibetans would recognize her characters and feel truth in them. She explained that her relationship with the land of Tibet is “one of absence.”

“I’ve met many Tibetans younger than me that are determined to be novelists, which is so important,” Lama said, explaining the positive impact of her work.

The event ended with Lama detailing the process of writing her novel and getting it published. The novel took eight years to write, and more years were spent in the revision and editing process.

However, Lama wanted to remind students that they are not alone.

“A lot of it was alone and a

‘Cats Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the Green

Katie Lewis Staff Writer

Corr Hall glowed green on Friday night as Villanovans assembled at “Dublin Down on the Green,” a St. Patrick’s Day extravaganza hosted by the Campus Activities Team (CAT) and the Villanova Irish Cultural Society (ICS).

Because of Villanova’s Irish roots, St. Patrick’s Day always has a notable presence on campus. The university was founded in 1842 by Irish Augustinians and, in 1979, Villanova founded its Irish Studies Program which rose to a Center in 2016. In February, the university welcomed Ambassador of Ireland Geraldine Byrne Nason, who attended the annual Villanova Literary Festival in celebration of the 2023 Charles A. Heimbold Jr. Chair for Irish Studies, Mary O’Donoghue.

Villanova’s notable Irish presence was seen in the turnout of students at the event. Around the fire pits on the campus green, students lined up for food trucks that served pizza, pretzels, roast beef sandwiches, festive green “Shamrock Shakes” and more. The event also included a beer garden that was open to those aged 21 or older, special giveaways and performances by the Villanova Irish Step Dance Team and Irish Band.

“Dublin Down on the Green” was one of numerous St. Patrick’s Day-themed activities planned by student organizations on campus. On Thursday night, CAT partnered with ICS in a second event for its weekly

Quizzo competition, held in the West Lounge in Dougherty Hall.

“ICS members were able to write about 10 questions on random facts about Ireland as a country and its accomplishments,” ICS Secretary and Quizzo host Genevieve Giammarco said. “The two other rounds focused on St Paddy’s Day trivia and Irish singers, respectively.”

“I’m incredibly thankful for the student turnout we had at both events,” ICS President Emmett Shea said. “I know that all of us at ICS will be eager to have more events outside of St. Paddy’s, so this week was a great indicator of the potential turnout we can get.”

“I really enjoyed getting involved in the events on campus celebrating St. Patrick’s Day,” ICS Vice President Kaitlin Gibson said. “As someone who’s really proud of their Irish history, it was really rewarding watching people realize how much of an impact Irish people and culture have had on our own.”

The events of the weekend also provided ways for students to learn about campus organizations that are related to Irish culture and study abroad opportunities in Ireland.

The festivities were scattered across campus on March 17, as Dining Services dished out St. Patrick’s Day specials. Villanovans enjoyed green bagels, corned beef and cabbage and colcannon at campus dining halls, as well as whipped cream-topped Irish Cream Lattes that were available at Holy Grounds throughout the day.

Tsering Yangzom Lama visited Falvey Memorial Library. Graydon Paul / Villanovan Photography

OPINION

Campus Fitness Centers Need Earlier Hours

Leah Cardinale Staff Writer

On Villanova’s campus there is only one gym that opens early in the day: Davis Center Gym. More accessible gyms in McGuinn, Farley and Stanford Hall, which are more closely located to student housing, open at 11:00 a.m.

For students who want to make the most of their days, this late opening is an inconvenience, as it discourages exercise and reduces productivity.

So, why is the Davis Center Gym the only gym that opens at 7:00 a.m.? The Villanovan talked to Sr. Associate Director of Athletics, Lisa Harris, who explained the reasoning behind this phenomenon.

“We’ve surveyed students several times over the years in order to try and meet their needs with our operating hours,” Harris said. “Since the Davis Center can accommodate the volume of fitness center users we see from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and we have a hard time finding student employees available in the morning, we just open the Davis Center from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

“Most students prefer to work out in the Davis Center, and it isn’t too far of a walk from any dormitory on campus, so hopefully our hours are not a deterrent to student wellness,” Harris said.

Thus, it seems that Villanova’s main problem is the inability to staff gyms earlier, not students’ lack of interest in working out early.

“I would like to go to the gym in Stanford before my classes,” freshman Reena Saraiya said.

Freshman Julianna Petrelli loves to work out but says having

the gym open earlier would make life easier.

“Having the Stanford gym and the other gyms open earlier would make them more accessible to students who have busy schedules,” Petrelli said. “People with [classes at] 8:30 [a.m.] who want to work out before class are left with limited options, as the walk

to Davis could be inconvenient for them.

“I know in my experience, I have to be up early for classes and work, so I personally like working out before class, as it helps me feel balanced and relaxed for the day,” Petrelli added. “I find that it’s easier to bear the weather and go for runs early in the morning rather than trying to fit in the gym.”

While the Davis Center is not that far from South Campus or the Commons, for students living on West Campus, it could be up to a 20-minute walk. On a winter morning, when it is below freezing, this walk is not appealing. The possibility of opening the other gyms on campus earlier, however, is not a far-fetched idea. According to Harris, there are many different options that can be explored.

“Once the volume of fitness center use increases and we have more student employees available to work, we [will] open the satellite fitness centers in Stanford, Farley and McGuinn,” Harris said.

Maybe a next step would be to survey students on what time the gyms should open, or whether satellite fitness centers should be open for use at 7:00 a.m., as well. Hopefully, more gyms around campus will open earlier so that students can have that motivation to get moving, while still accomplishing what they need to with their busy schedules.

Legalizing Transphobia: Tennessee’s Oppressive Policies

Majo James Staff Writer

On March 2, Tennessee passed a law banning both gender-affirming care for minors and drag shows performed on public property and in the presence of minors. Minors currently undergoing hormone therapy to treat gender dysphoria must cease doing so by March 2024.

Though Tennessee is the first state to implement such policies, it is quite possible that it will not be the last, with several other states contemplating similar bills. Proponents of the law claim it intends to protect children from hasty self-mutilation and from inappropriate influences.

Such intentions would certainly be honorable, if they weren’t a transparent lie. The bill is nothing but an example of creating issues where none exist, a political strategy to pander to their voter base. If the 74 Republicans and three Democrats that voted in favor of the bill truly cared for the well-being of transgender kids, they would not have criminalized the procedures that are indispensable to them.

A clinic in Cincinnati conducted a study of youth aged 1222 with gender dysphoria. 30.3% of the participants reported at

least one suicide attempt. This is a percentage that is more than three times the national average (9%) in that age group. Gender-affirming care has been proven to significantly reduce suicidal ideation and improve quality of life for people with gender dysphoria. Taking away this crucial treatment would have disastrous effects.

This is not a subjective debate. The American Medical Association (AMA) sent a letter to the National Governors Association (NGA), pleading to “its member governors to oppose state legislation that would prohibit the provision of medically necessary gender transition-related care to minor patients.”

“We believe this legislation represents a dangerous governmental intrusion into the practice of medicine and will be detrimental to the health of transgender children across the country,” The AMA said. “Empirical evidence has demonstrated that trans and non-binary gender identities are normal variations of human identity and expression…every major medical association in the United States recognizes the medical necessity of transition-related care for improving the physical and mental health of transgender people.”

The AMA is joined by the World Health Organization,

American Academy of Pediatrics and American Psychiatric Association in supporting gender-affirming care for minors. The AMA identifies this transphobic bill as a “dangerous governmental intrusion,” because it is based on religious arguments, a violation of the constitutionally enumerated separation of church and state. There is also the matter of banning drag performances to “protect children.” First, the most obvious problem is that this is unconstitutional. Drag shows fall under the protections of the First Amendment, the Freedom of Speech. The bill bans performances of “male and female impersonators.” If drag shows are banned today, what is stopping Tennessee law enforcement from targeting Pride celebrations tomorrow? The ambiguous wording allows for and even encourages the targeting of people with nonconforming gender identities.

Furthermore, banning male and female impersonators is much more wide-reaching than just drag. In Shakespeare’s time, for example, all actors were male, including the ones that portrayed women. Productions today often end up casting people as a different gender than the one the actor personally identifies as, not to make a statement, but because there are

not enough actors. Treasure Island, Villanova Student Theater’s spring play, portrays Jim Hawkins as a cabin girl commonly mistaken to be a cabin boy. When asked “be you boy or be you girl,” she responds, “that be my business!” Even this relatively minor defiance of traditional gender norms could be prosecuted under Tennessee law. The new bill has been met with widespread outrage. The Human Rights Campaign and the American Civil Liberties Union have both vowed litigation against Tennessee for its discriminatory policies. This righteous anger is prominent on our campus as well. “[This law is] transphobic and disgusting,” junior Monroe Byer said.

The Tennessee bill heartlessly denies the fundamental rights of already vulnerable children. It codifies the wave of transphobia sweeping the country. This is not the first time in U.S. history where discrimination has been forged into law to use as a weapon against the innocent. Indeed, the ugly face of Jim Crow has not yet faded into memory. It was not even a lifetime ago that segregation was considered constitutional. We must stand in defiance of this gross violation of human rights and protect our transgender children.

Gyms other than the Davis Center should have earlier opening hours. Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography

EDITORIAL BOARD LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

COLIN BEAZLEY VIVI MELKONIAN

Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Associate Editor-in-Chief

Opinion Editor

Opinion Editor

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.

POLICY

The unsigned editorial that appears is the opinion of The Villanovan as determined by the majority of the Editorial Board. Other columns, letters and artwork represent the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Villanovan.

Politics and the Demise of the Oscars

Brian Luppy Staff Writer

Fewer and fewer people watch the Oscars every year, and for good reason.

In the year 2000, 46 million viewers tuned into the program. In 2023, just 18 million did.

It would be easy to attribute the Oscars’ decline in popularity to other competing forms of entertainment, such as YouTube and TikTok. But, the fact is, all TV programs have experienced this same competition from other media sources.

The rise in viewership of the Super Bowl, for example, has been steady for decades. In the early 2000’s, roughly half as many people watched the Oscars as they did the Super Bowl (45M compared to 90M). In 2023, the Oscars received just 16% of the Super Bowl’s viewership (18M as opposed to 113M).

Clearly, the Oscars have a viewership problem, a problem that corresponds with the increasing politicization of the program.

In the past decade, the Oscars have been politicized, where celebrities and movie stars suddenly feel open, if not compelled, to voice their political opinions in their acceptance speeches.

It is no secret that Hollywood today is very liberal and plays a role in the spread of progressive ideology into the public sphere. So, when Hollywood’s stars assemble, a

utopia for the liberally-minded takes place.

Perhaps the most jarring example of the politicization of the Oscars came in 2019.

“The 2020 presidential election is right around the corner... let’s all be on the right side of history,” Spike Lee said during his acceptance speech.

Despite him not explicitly stating his opinion, the unspoken understanding this comment generates demonstrates just how

accustomed we have become to the presence of left-wing politics in Hollywood.

Perhaps not everyone agrees on what “the right side of history” means. In other words, it is rude to assume that everyone shares the same “side” or political beliefs.

Lately, award winners seemingly spend the same amount of time on their “thank yous” as they do giving political commentary.

In 2015, director Alejandro

Iñárritu discussed Mexican immigration during his speech. A year later, Leonardo DiCaprio spoke on climate change and global warming.

In 2017, just a month after the presidential inauguration, host Jimmy Kimmel explicitly called out President Trump several times in his opening address.

In a theater of like-minded people, statements that would be considered controversial in the real world are met with applause.

They do not seem to understand that their opinions are just opinions, ones not necessarily representative of the entire public.

Beyond this, when award winners weave social commentary into their speeches it not only comes across as extremely awkward, but also pandering.

People should be able to watch the Oscars, or any other award show, without being lectured by celebrities on what they should or should not believe in.

Thankfully, this year’s Oscars took a step back from politics. In the speeches I watched on Twitter, I never heard any America-bashing or calls to take social action. Perhaps celebrities are learning that voicing their politics is not always appreciated by those who watch from home.

Regardless, it was refreshing to listen to speeches that were not overtly political. In future years, I hope to see the trend away from political speeches continue.

The Oscars have become increasingly politicized over the years. Courtesy of Hollywood Life

CULTURE

Villanova’s Annual A Cappella Palooza

Carter Smith Staff Writer

Cont. from pg. 1 cohesive sets with [choreography] to put on a show for the audience that this is who we are,” junior Warren Cho, president of Vocal Minority, said. “We enjoy making great music and putting on a performance for students just like us.”

“I would say that, for the non-ICCA (International Competition of Collegiate A Cappella) competition groups, this is the closest we get to that point,” president of the Spires, senior Jack Palermo, said. “It really calls all groups to put their best foot forward, which is all the more reason for people to come out.”

“As graduation approaches, I am reminded that this is my last

Palooza, so my personal highlight will be the opportunity to share the stage with my talented friends for one of the last times,” graduate student and president of Nothing But Treble, Savanna Wesselius, said.

“I personally like cheering on the other groups,” sophomore and president of the Haveners, Jane Huston, said. “Getting to perform is so much fun, but this is the only time all eight groups go at once, so I really like getting to see everyone else’s sets. Getting to appreciate their hard work is really special.”

“You definitely have a friend who is in this,” senior Jess Cheribino, president of Measure Up, said. “The reason why we are all excited for Palooza is similar to why other people should be excited for it. It is real life Pitch Perfect. When do you get the opportunity to see something like that?”

“Something the Supernovas always stress about this event is that we are one of the few schools that has a cappella groups without music majors,” sophomore Bridget Duffy, president of the Supernovas, said. “We do not have an official music or theater program or anything of the sort [at Villanova]. The fact that we are all able to do this for pure enjoyment, on our own time and completely separate from our studies is really special and I have not come across that anywhere else.”

This year’s A Cappella Palooza was truly one of the highlights of the year, as it is every year. The process of song selection, arranging, rehearsing and choreographing a set is a long one, filled with lots of work, after-hours rehearsing and tense moments. But, at the end of the day, these groups all do this because they

enjoy music, performing and being together.

So much love and work go into the sets for the purpose of entertaining an audience (and each other), and Palooza is the culminating moment where Villanova students, faculty, staff and community members can enjoy amazing performances. Villanova students should attend Palooza going forward to support their friends, roommates, significant others, classmates and students at the event, who are probably not able to shut up about this event all semester. Or because they love music, and they want to show up to a good Friday night performance with friends. Or, if nothing else, as Cho said, “How funny is it if you go and watch somebody who is in your class and really quiet, go up on stage, sing and shake their butt like there is no tomorrow?”

Villanovans Rally Behind Women’s Basketball

Elijah McDow Staff Writer

When “Villanova” is mentioned, the first thing that often comes to mind is not Holy Grounds, Bartley or the trenches of Tolentine, but the reputation the school has built as a basketball powerhouse.

While the men’s team finds itself missing out on the NCAA tournament for the first time since the 2011-2012 season, the women are back in the tournament for the second consecutive year. This time however, instead of beginning “The Road to Dallas” in a visiting locker room, the Wildcats found themselves playing on home soil.

Despite having mixed feelings about the men’s season, the excitement of Villanova students is far from over. On Saturday, the women played their first-round game against Cleveland State. While they were slated to play in the second game of the day, this did not stop students from making the trek to the Finneran Pavilion well in advance of the 5 p.m. tip-off. Wearing blue and white, equipped with signs and already throwing their Vs up, Villanovans of all class years and majors came together as a community to cheer their team to victory.

Of the approximately 6,700 undergraduate students at Villanova, none of them enjoyed the past few days more than sophomore Ryan Hartnett. From Hoops Mania to now, Hartnett has been at almost every home game for both men and women. Apart from an a cappella performance, nothing can stop Hartnett from cheering on the Wildcats.

Standing in the front row wearing a jersey, his lucky hat and jumping up and down, he frequently makes an appearance on the Jumbotron and national television. When asked about March Madness, Hartnett shared how meaningful it is to him that Villanova got to play at home.

“I was beyond excited that the women’s team hosted the first round of the tournament as they’ve

been incredible to watch through the entire season,” Hartnett said. “This season has meant so much to me being a die-hard fan because we are witnessing greatness right in front of our eyes with the GOAT (“Greatest of all Time”), Maddy Siegrist and a women’s team playing at a level we haven’t seen from them since the ’03-’04 season.”

In addition to discussing his excitement, Hartnett also emphasized the importance of showing the team the respect they deserve beyond this season. Like many other Villanovans, he feels strongly that all 6,500 seats in Finneran Pavilion should be filled for every women’s home game.

“Every year, the student body often pushes the women’s team aside always saying, ‘Oh, the women’s team isn’t good,’ or ‘Oh, no one goes to the games,’ but, this year, the team has been balling out and getting more attention than I could remember,” Hartnett said. “I really hope the energy from this weekend continues because the women’s team deserves to have all 6,500 of us behind them.”

The energy in the Finn and across campus has been infectious. Along with Hartnett, fellow sophomore Victoria Newsome has been feeling the full effects of March Madness. As a member of Villanovan Television (VTV), Newsome has interviewed the likes of Christina Dalce, Lucy Olsen and Maddy Siegrist for her series called “What’s A Wildcat Do Before Gameday?”

“I am so thrilled for the women’s basketball team,” Newsome said. “They really deserve it and I’m glad these talented ladies have the opportunity to compete again this year in the NCAA tournament.”

In addition to her role at VTV, Newsome is also in her second season as a member of the Villanova Dance Team. While she mainly dances at the men’s home games, she occasionally dances at the women’s games and did so on Saturday.

“Although I haven’t danced for all women’s home games, I love

watching how they play, and I was so excited to perform this Saturday,” she said. “This season has been full of high energy and passion, so I can’t wait to see how the ‘Cats dance in March.”

While Newsome has spent time getting to know the players, sophomore Jacob English has also been an avid supporter of the team.

Of all the games he has watched this year, watching Maddy Siegrist break Villanova’s all-time scoring record was undoubtedly his favorite moment.

“I’ve loved watching the women’s basketball team this year,” English said. “They’ve been very consistent all year which is all you can hope for in college and they’re led by my favorite women’s basketball player ever, Maddy Siegrist.”

English, like Harnett, feels very privileged to be a Villanova student at a time when the team’s star player is breaking record after record.

“In my opinion, [Maddy Siegrist] is the best NCAA player

right now,” he said.

Saturday and Monday’s games was a comfortable win for the Wildcats, but the games ahead will not be as easy. To get to Dallas, Siegrist and the Wildcats need to play their best basketball of the season and, more importantly, they will need the full support of everyone associated with Nova Nation.

Throughout a season, and especially during March Madness, the support of a fanbase can make all the difference. Out of all the schools left in the tournament, none of them have a community that celebrates or supports one another like Villanova and its students, and rallying behind Siegrist and her teammates is no exception.

Although it is unclear how the Wildcats will perform against tougher opponents, one thing that is certain is that all community members need to demonstrate the same level of support that Hartnett, Newsome and English have all shown over their two years as Villanova students.

Fans support the Women’s Basketball Team as they head into March Madness. Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography

Kendall’s Column: Seniors Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day

Kendall Hayes Culture Columnist

This past Friday marked a holiday that many Villanovans hold close to their hearts: St. Patrick’s Day. Villanova University posted to its Instagram on Friday morning, wishing its followers a “Happy St. Patrick’s Day,” while simultaneously reminding its followers of the school’s Irish roots. To refresh everyone’s memories, back in 1842, Villanova University was founded by Irish Augustinians, making Villanova students even more eager to celebrate.

The Villanovan did some research to see how Villanova seniors celebrated this favorite holiday. Since this is a student publication sponsored by the University, I will keep all of the celebration stories PG, but, to my surprise, many seniors celebrated the holiday in creative ways.

Villanova senior Catherine Kemnitz explained how she celebrated the Irish holiday. Since Catherine was young, she has had the same St. Patrick’s Day traditions with her family, and being hundreds of miles from home has yet to change that.

“My mom’s birthday is [on] St. Patrick’s Day, and every year we make Irish soda bread together and then drink tea out of this old Irish teapot she has,” Kemnitz said.

Kemnitz was at her college house in Bryn Mawr on St. Patrick’s Day, so her mother mailed her some Irish soda bread, and a box of fancy teas. Then, her whole family went on a Zoom call at 8 a.m. to celebrate and enjoy the holiday together.

After that Zoom call, Kemnitz returned to her slumber and a few hours later continued to celebrate the holiday in the way a 22-year-old Irish college student

does: at an Irish bar with friends.

“It’s been really nice with all the chaos and potential change of senior year to do something consistent with my family,” Kemnitz explained. “Sharing a simple, traditional meal with my family was a great start to my St Patrick’s Day.”

Other Villanova students celebrated the holiday in more non-traditional ways.

Gracie Abrams, an upand-coming, 23-year-old artist was performing her “Good Riddance” tour at the Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia on St. Patrick’s Day at 8 p.m.

Although Abrams is a pop artist, her music, despite being incredibly beautiful, does not exactly give the similar upbeat vibe of Irish Descendants’ “Rattlin Bog.”

Villanova senior Anna O’Keefe discussed the Friday evening she spent with her friend to see Abrams perform.

“Instead of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in a traditional manner, I opted to see one of my favorite artists, Gracie Abrams, with a close friend,” O’Keefe said. “While my evening may have been spent with indie music rather than bagpipes and Irish tunes, it was an amazing night nonetheless.”

In a more traditional St. Patrick’s Day celebration, dozens of Villanova seniors made their way into Philadelphia on Saturday afternoon to partake in ticketed “bar crawls,” spanning all across different bars in Philadelphia.

Although Villanova, Pennsylvania’s no Dublin, Ireland, Villanovans still found spirited ways to celebrate the Irish holiday.

You might be asking yourself how I celebrated the holiday, but, unfortunately, that is something you are not lucky enough to hear.

What’s In the Stars for You: March Horoscopes

Chloe Miller Co-Culture Editor

Aries - This weekend left you feeling renewed and recharged. Harness that energy into a productive week. You have big goals, and you are able to achieve them but only if you consistently put in the effort. Do not let the small victories along the way go unnoticed. Continually strive for the next best thing. This hard work will pay off.

Taurus - Do you feel like you are attempting to dodge punch after punch? You are not alone, Taurus. Life seems to be throwing every possible obstacle your way, and you are unsure how you will manage the stressful situations that continue to arise. As you have experienced, things will always sort out the way they are supposed to. Continue to dodge these punches and hold out hope for unexpected joy in life. You will be stronger for it in the end.

Gemini - There are many loose ends in your life right now. You might be feeling frustrated that you cannot tie them up easily. Rather, shift your focus from trying to direct things you cannot control towards allowing yourself to ride the wave. Remember that even if the opportunities you feel are supposed to come to you do not, take this new direction as a breath of fresh air.

Cancer - This week, take time to reevaluate where you see the direction of your future headed. Do your passions align with your professional endeavors? If not, how can you merge your skills with your personal desires to create more meaningful work? You will find that there will be greater excitement towards your future if you feel exuberant about the path you are forging forward.

Leo - It is time to be real. Identify the main factors in your life that you are unsatisfied with. Could there be a common thread? Could that common thread be yourself?

Are you in the way of your own happiness? Take this time to look inward and reflect on the roles you hold within your relationship. How do you influence others’ happiness? Could you be a negative factor in these relationships you are a part of? Spend time with yourself to understand the world around you.

Virgo - You are feeling overwhelmed. You are the type of person that puts a lot of responsibilities on your own plate. This leaves you feeling burnt out. It is time to reevaluate. What are the important nonnegotiable responsibilities and what are things that just aren’t serving you anymore. Although it may be hard letting go of these responsibilities that you put on yourself will free up time to focus your energies on what is most fruitful.

Libra - When it comes to love, things may seem especially confusing right now. Mixed signals

are plentiful and your ability to decipher them is lacking. Allow yourself to follow your intuition. Let your guard down and stop your mind from wandering. What is right for you will come to you. Stop chasing and allow your guards to be let down for the time being. Love might just be right around the corner.

Scorpio - This week is all about learning the art of boundaries. Professionally, the best word you can understand is ‘no.” Learning your capacity will allow you to devote time to things that bring you joy and are internally important. Saying no is not a bad thing, rather, it is a way for you to harness control over the trajectory of your future. Personally, you must be aware of when a relationship has expired. Although it may be easy to continually let the same people in because you care about them, there comes a point where you need to be selfish. Ask yourself: is this relationship serving me or are

you clinging onto the past?

Sagittarius- You might be having a case of the Sunday scaries, except it may be extended throughout this week. It is time to rethink how you structure your time as you may find yourself indulging too much in your personal vices. This week it is essential that you lay low. Find time to connect with yourself and others in positive ways. These vices have left you with a bad taste in your mouth about yourself. Having a productive reset will wash away this sour taste.

Capricorn - Something is about to rock your world. It might not be exactly what you have been hoping for, but it is exactly what you need. You are going to have a conversation this week that will later your mind. We encourage you to let it take you by storm and expand your horizons. These moments of realization are invaluable, and this week will have a profound effect on how you continue to move forward with your life.

Aquarius - No one experiences the world in more color than you do, Aquarius. You have the ability to see the joys in everyday life. Continue to take it in. Right now, life is especially exciting. Accept these moments of excitement and color. After a dull winter, this vibrance is exactly what you have been needing. Spread this color to those around you and bring joy to the relationships in your life.

Pisces - It is all happening for you. Everything is starting to align within your world, Pisces. This may be exciting but take it with a grain of salt. What has come to you can easily be taken away. Continue to fill your own cup and not be blinded by the outside excitements that may be coming to you. Professionally, personally, and emotionally, things are working out. Allow yourself to relish in this happiness, but do not let your guard down just yet.

What’s in store for your star sign? Check out your horoscopes for this month!

Gabi Frank / Villanovan Photography

Spring Break Service and Justice Experience

Natalie Zickel Co-Digital Editor

While some students may indulge in a tropical vacation for spring break, many students go back to the comfort of their homes. When I was looking into my plans for spring break, I quickly realized that it would be very similar to my schedule during fall and winter break: sleep for an entire day and binge-watch a Netflix reality dating show. I needed something more out of my break, and when I saw that Villanova offered a freshman-centered service trip I jumped on the opportunity to try something new and get to know more of my classmates.

Villanova’s Service and Justice Experiences (SJEs) are offered during fall and spring break. During this spring break, students had the opportunity to build houses through Habitat for Humanity (HFH) in North or South Carolina, learn about immigration justice in San Diego, participate in a service retreat in West Virginia, work with community partners at the Romeo Center in New Jersey or spend a weekend locally making meals at St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia.

“We work with a number of amazing community partners through the SJE program, all of whom are doing incredible social justice work to help their communities,” said Abigail Gorman, the Assistant Director of Service Immersion Programs “It is humbling to be able to work with and learn from them.”

Ricky Hardee, the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity in Marion-Dillon County South Carolina highlighted the program’s history with Villanova.

“(We) have enjoyed a partnership with the students from Villanova University dating back to 1997,” Hardee said. “Since that time, we have had the pleasure of hosting service break trips for the students both in the spring and fall. The only year we did not host a group was during HFHI’s shutdown of their volunteer programs due to Covid.”

After the pandemic, the amount of students participating in service programs at Villanova has dropped substantially. HFH in Marion-Dillon county would have fifteen to twenty students working every other week but recently have been getting seven to ten volunteers.

“During the 2020-2021 school year, we couldn’t run any in-person trips, so the momentum of the program halted a bit,” said Gorman “We have been in the process of rebuilding and reimagining aspects of the program and are excited about what the future holds.”

The freshman experience offered was partnered with Habitat for Humanity, an international nonprofit based on the idea that everyone should have sustainable housing.

“With the Habitat for Humanity homeownership model built upon affordability for the qualifying family, the labor given

by each Villanova student means so much to our affiliate, as well to the family receiving the home,” said Hardee.

Just an hour outside of Myrtle Beach, Marion-Dillon County has the highest unemployment rate in the state. We spent a week in the small town of Mullins finishing the railing for a bus driver with two kids and fixing a roof for a grandmother diagnosed with cancer. The majority of our time was spent completing a dormitory for volunteers or for families to seek shelter during hurricanes.

With help from our supervisor Maxie Hardee, we learned how to put in ceiling installation, cock a door frame, nail shingles on a roof and how difficult it was to create a level stair railing. Freshman Alisha Wilson was one of the students on the trip who learned these invaluable skills.

“I was intimidated to build because I had no experience; I had never even hammered a nail before,” Wilson said. “Max, the easy-going grandfather who was our team leader, made the jobs fun and filled me with confidence. I couldn’t believe I helped build a wall and a railing and was comfortable with an electric saw and drill.”

When we weren’t fixing houses, we found ourselves immersed in the community as each meal was provided by a nearby church or local organization. Whether it was Subway served in the dormitory or dinner hosted by a fraternal chapter of a life insurance agency in the woods, we were warmly welcomed and treated as celebrities in the small town.

“One can only imagine that after twenty-five years of this partnership, Villanova University has become an extension of our community,” Hardee said. “Macedonia United Methodist Church has basically ‘adopted’ the student groups from Villanova after hosting them during these twenty-five years.”

After attending an SJE trip last year in North Carolina, Junior Catherine Blowe decided to go back to the program for her spring break.

“I was so excited when I had the opportunity to return as

a leader of an SJE because I had such an amazing experience last year,” said Blowe, reflecting on her choice to lead the freshman-only service trip alongside sophomore Sulley Sanchez who she met on the SJE North Carolina trip. “Both experiences were extremely fun and rewarding learning opportunities full of memorable times with great people and communities.”

Wilson agreed with Blowe’s sentiments as she looked back on the friendships she made on the trip.

“I was apprehensive to go on a trip without knowing anyone very well, but I am so glad I went,” Wilson said. “By the end of the week, everyone had grown so close. I don’t think a single hour went by where we weren’t laughing, and I will cherish the memories we made forever. One of my favorite memories was on the final Saturday morning, about an hour before we were leaving South Carolina. The previous night, we had thrown together an Irish dance, and we performed it at breakfast for the members of the church who had hosted us all week long. They were so delighted by our routine that they asked for

an encore for their friends who arrived for breakfast late. Teaching everyone to dance was so fun; we were all laughing the whole time, and I was really impressed by how quickly everyone picked up the Ceili steps.”

From Irish dancing to building railings, our week-long trip in Mullins was filled with abundant laughter and lifelong memories. Not only did we leave South Carolina with long-lasting friendships and valuable skills, but our group of ten left Marion-Dillon county with a completed dormitory, a sturdy railing and a repaired roof contributing to Villanova’s legacy in the area.

I witnessed the impact of two decades of Villanova students first-hand while working on the roof replacing shingles. Max was with us twenty feet above the ground teaching us techniques to drive the nail down in the most efficient way possible. While we were nailing, we could see a line of similar roofs to the right of us, and we asked Max if those were Habitat homes. He confirmed our thinking and mentioned that all of the houses were built by Villanova students. Six houses, from the foundation to the framing to the painting, all stand because of Villanova students. To see the effect our university has had on this community over the past two decades was truly inspiring to witness.

If you find yourself dreading the boring routine of home during fall or spring break, consider stepping outside your comfort zone and attending a Service and Justice Experience.

“I think students should go on an SJE in order to encounter communities outside of Villanova, to learn about social justice issues in our world, and to grow in their understanding of how service and justice go hand in hand,” said Gorman. “A great hope of the SJEs is that it will be a transformative experience for the students who participate, and that they take what they learn during their immersions forward with them into their personal and professional lives.”

Villanovans pose while on their SJE trip in South Carolina. Natalie Zickel/Villanovan Photography

Students work on painting while on their service trip. Natalie Zickel/Villanovan Photography

Softball Sweeps Creighton in Home Opening Series

Katie Lewis Staff Writer

Continued from pg. 3

home run in the sixth and an RBI double in the seventh.

However, in the seventh, Smith smashed a home run to tie the game. With two outs and the bases loaded, sophomore infielder Ava Franz delivered the game-winning single for a walk-off Wildcat victory.

The second half of Friday’s double-header featured another successful Villanova comeback for a higher-scoring, 8–7 win.

Graduate pitcher Peyton Schnackenberg was the Wildcats’ starter, facing nine batters and striking out one. White relieved and pitched the next five innings, striking out three and giving up four runs.

Creighton achieved an early 1–0 advantage after the first three batters, rising to 4–0 in the fourth inning.

The Wildcats then loaded the bases in the fifth, after center fielder Tess Cites hit a double and Creighton walked the following two batters. A wild pitch sent Cites home to get Villanova on the board.

In the top of the sixth, the Bluejays notched a three-run homer for a 7–1 lead. However, the Wildcats made an impressive seven-run comeback in the bottom of the inning.

Bats were hot across the lineup, with Franz and senior catcher Ally Jones each getting on base with

a single, and graduate catcher Ryan Henry hitting a double to earn two Villanova RBIs.

Cites hit a single to bring home two more runners, and a double by White into left field brought the score even.

Following a walk and wild pitch by Creighton, White scored from third on a sacrifice fly from freshman shortstop Lilly St. Jean. The Bluejays failed to retrieve their lead in the scoreless final inning, securing a second Wildcat win.

Villanova took the field with confidence the next morning, for the third game against Creighton and finished the series with a 10–4 victory.

Gallant returned to the mound as the Bluejays came out

strong with three singles and two doubles in the first six batters.

The freshman pitcher regained control, holding Creighton back with three strikeouts and allowing seven hits and three earned runs in five total innings. Schnackenberg relieved, only surrendering one single in seven batters in the final two innings.

Batters up and down the lineup contributed to the Wildcats’ offense.

Following Creighton’s early, 3–0 lead, Villanova fought back, scoring in every inning of the game. Creighton added their last run of the game in the third inning, advancing runners from a hit-by-pitch and Villanova outfield error for a 4–3 lead.

In the bottom of the inning, the Wildcats shifted the momentum of the game by adding four runs with Smith, White and Jones each notching a hit to load the bases. A Creighton pitching error, single from Henry, and RBI from senior first baseman Victoria Sebastian, brought the runners home.

The strong batting continued in the fourth inning, with another single from Jones and a double from Franz. In the fifth inning, senior outfielder Dani Dabroski muscled a triple to score senior outfielder Sydney Hayes.

Put on base by a leadoff walk in the sixth inning, White scored the Wildcats’ tenth and final run after a sacrifice fly from Jones and single from Franz.

“The experience with playing some tough teams and getting beat down a little in the preseason, prepared us well and gave us a push to know that we can come back,” head coach Bridget Orchard said. “Hopefully we can keep the energy and ride that confidence going into the next series.”

With a two-week break from conference play, the Wildcats will be on the road again this week to take on Towson, Delaware and Boston University.

“Our goal is to win each series, and right now we are sitting in a pretty good position,” Orchard said. The Wildcats anticipate their upcoming series against Big East rival UConn, which will take place at home on the weekend of March 31.

Women’s Lacrosse Wins Back-to-Back, Improves Record to 7-2

The women’s lacrosse team had a successful past week, bringing home two commanding winds and improving its record to 7-2.

The Wildcats played against Lafayette College midweek and won, 15-1. On Saturday, they defeated Quinnipiac, 7-2.

In the game against the Bobcats, the fi rst quarter saw a lot of action from both teams. With six minutes left in the quarter, sophomore attacker Sydney Pappas tied the game, 2-2. This was followed by a goal by junior attacker Izzy Francati to give the Wildcats a 3-2 lead at the end of the quarter.

However, the lead was short-lived, as Quinnipiac tied the game just two minutes into the second quarter.

Head coach Jill Batcheller has preached to her team throughout the year to continue to fi ght.

“We talked about maintaining our composure,” Batcheller said. “I thought our team did a really good job of continuing to communicate and continuing to maintain our composure even when the plays weren’t working in their favor.”

This message clearly reached sophomore attacker Sami Carey, who helped the Wildcats

regain the lead, 4-3, with a goal.

While it looked like Villaonva was back on track, things quickly shifted when Quinnipiac scored two goals to take a 5-4 lead.

But, continuing to keep their composure as Batcheller preached, the Wildcats responded once again when Pappas tied the game at 5-5 with eight minutes left in the quarter.

This sparked a crucial run from Villanova, as it scored three more goals to take a 8-6 lead going into halftime.

At the break, Batcheller

commended her team for their efforts and made a few adjustments on both ends of the fi eld.

“Off ensively, we talked about the diff erent looks we were going to be using,” Batcheller said. “We also talked about everyone being in the right spots on the plays.”

Coming out of halftime, Quinnipiac scored an early goal, but Pappas also scored a goal that took the Wildcats’ lead back to two goals. For the second time in the game, Pappas sparked another run from the Wildcats.

“Sydney is so consistent,” Batcheller said. “Sometimes I forget she is only a sophomore because she plays like she’s a leader.” Due to a few injuries, players like Pappas have had to step up and take on more prominent roles for the ‘Cats.

“Cate Gallagher, our goalie, has really stepped in,” Batcheller said. “Izzy Francati has been doing a really great job stepping into the attack, and on defense, Liv Stoddard has also brought a lot of energy.”

In addition to the growing role of Pappas and others, graduate attacker Caroline Curnal was the game’s biggest talking point. In the team win over Quinnipiac, Curnal recorded her 300th draw control in her Villanova career.

“Her technique on the draws is amazing,” Batcheller said. “The confi dence she has in herself being a fi fth-year senior, she knows the changes she needs to make and her level of confi dence from beginning to end is really what separates her.”

While Quinnipiac was persistent on the attack, the Wildcats were able to extend their lead even further, resulting in a commanding 7-2 win on Saturday afternoon.

Villanova is back on the road for its non-conference fi nale with Bucknell on Wednesday, followed by the start of Big East play on Saturday at No. 6 Denver.

Softball swept Creighton on home turf this weekend. Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography

Elijah McDow Staff Writer

Women’s lacrosse found success at home this weekend. Ryan Sarbello/Villanovan Photography

Baseball Drops Series Against Rider

James Haupt Staff Writer

This past weekend, the baseball team took on Rider University in a three-game series, going 1-2 in the series.

The Wildcats started off strong on Friday, winning a tight, 7-6 game. This ended an 11-game losing streak for Villanova, as it moved to 2-14 in the season going into Saturday’s games.

In the win, junior SS/2B Cameron Hassert had a huge day at the plate. He finished the day 4-for-4, with a walk, four RBI and two runs.

This standout performance included a unique inside-the-park homerun for Hassert, as well as a 2-RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning, which helped send the game to extra innings.

The next inning would go on to finish in walk-off fashion, as senior catcher John Whooley hit a double to drive in the winning run.

“Timely hitting,” coach Kevin Mulvey said. “Guys came through in the clutch when we needed it.”

Villanova also impressed on the mound as senior pitcher Chic DeGaetano was able to throw a strong 5.1 innings in order to keep the Wildcats competitive in the game.

DeGaetano finished with six strikeouts and no walks while

allowing five hits and two earned runs.

However, it was graduate pitcher Zach Camp who helped bring home the win, as he came in during the 10th inning to shut out Rider with a 1-2-3 inning, paving the way for the walk-off finish in the bottom half of the 10th.

While the win started off Villanova’s weekend strong, it struggled to carry the momentum from Friday’s win into the rest of the games, as it fell to Rider, 11-3, on Saturday in the second game, and 4-0 in the final game of the weekend.

On Saturday, the standout player on offense was sophomore outfielder Shane Solari, who went 2-3 with one RBI.

The only pitcher to allow no earned runs was freshman Luke Matta, who came in during the last inning and struck out one and allowed one unearned run on one hit.

These offensive woes continued in the Wildcats’ last game of the weekend, where they were shutout, despite Hassert continuing his hot streak for the offense going 2-3 with a walk.

On the mound, junior Devin Rivera led the way with a strong start. He finished with one strikeout and one walk while allowing four hits and three earned runs across 5.1 innings.

“We had some good individual performances, we just need to link it up with others,” Mulvey

said. “When we have opportunities to score, we have to cash in.”

With the weekend against Rider now behind them, Villanova only has four more games before the Liberty Bell Classic, where they face off with the other teams in the Philadelphia area.

Before the Classic, the Wildcats will head into this upcoming week of play with a 2-16 overall record.

Villanova will take on Bucknell, followed by a threegame set at home this weekend against Iona.

Women’s Water Polo Loses to LIU, Routs VMI

Villanova’s women’s water polo team opened its Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) slate with two games on Saturday, March 18 at the Spiro Sports Center in Staten Island, New York.

The Wildcats (11-11) lost their opening game of the day to Long Island University (LIU), 13-6, before redeeming themselves with a 21-6 victory over the Virginia Military Institute (VMI).

In their game against LIU, the Wildcats suffered a conference-opening loss.

After a tight first quarter, where the Wildcats led, 3-2, LIU ran away with the game, scoring five goals in the second quarter, to go up 7-4.

The Wildcats had a goalless third period that further extended LIU’s lead to 9-4. With the Sharks lead extending, Villanova struggled to make a comeback, falling to LIU, 13-6.

Freshman Gracin Kerry and sophomore Sarah Shaw combined for 15 saves, with Shaw also having an assist a in net for the Wildcats, with Shaw also having a steal and a steal.

Villanova’s six goals were led by senior Lauren Picard, who scored twice and added an assist for three points.

In the second game, Villanova found their rhythm against VMI.

Villanova had a strong start with back-to-back goals from senior Emily Morrissey at the beginning of the game. The first quarter ended with Villanova leading, 5-1. Come halftime, the Wildcats led, 9-3, and, after a pair of

VMI goals early in the third quarter, Villanova once again regained control of the game, scoring eight goals to extend its lead to 17-4. It held onto this momentum in the final quarter of play, resulting in a 21-6 win over the Keydets.

In the third game of the weekend, Villanova was unable to keep pace with No. 18 Wagner, falling, 18-9. The Wildcats were outscored by Wagner, 5-2, in both the first and second quarters. Although Villanova found a goal in the first minute and a half of play, Wagner quickly took control with a three-goal run to take a 4-1 lead. Villanova’s Byles then scored a goal to bring the Wildcats within four. However, Wagner closed out the first half with two more goals to lead 10-4.

In the third quarter, Villanova scored four goals but still found itself outscored by the Seahawks, who added seven goals to make the score 17-8.

Despite the loss, Villanova was still able to add to the stat sheet with junior Stella Byles and sophomore Emily McKenzie, who each scored three goals. McKenzie also added an assist for four individual points.

This weekend of competition presented some challenges for the ‘Cats. What is supposed to be a 25-yard wide, 25-meter narrow pool, was only 20 meters wide for this conference tournament.

“Because [the pool] is more narrow you have to orient yourself to the goal, not the wall,” head coach Larry Sanders said. “It’s a different feeling.”

The Wildcats will return to the pool on Saturday, March 25 for a rematch against LIU to keep the conference schedule going.

The Wildcats only won their first of three games against Rider this weekend. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Camden Wright Staff Writer

Water Polo had a tough time adjusting to pool changes in MAAC this weekend. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Men’s Tennis Goes 2-1 in Eventful Week of Matches

Lauren Armstrong Staff Writer

The men’s tennis team had an action-packed week, going 2-1 in matches against Nicholas, Xavier and Loyola Maryland.

On Tuesday, March 15, Villanova took on Nicholas College in a home match, in which the Cats took the win, 7-0.

“Nichols was a pretty routine match for us,” head coach Brad Adams said. “Doubles [have] been troublesome over the season, but this past week has shown differently.”

Against Nicholas, Justin Suarez and Lukas Choi dominated in a 6-2 match. Josh Robinson and Cooper Gordon also won their match,

6-3.

Singles took a clean sweep, with Robinson, Tighe Bruntti, Eitan Khromchenko, Gordon, Ryan Nguyen and Trey Fourticq all winning their individual matches against Nichols.

On Friday, the Wildcats took on Xavier, yet were not able to play a full match after the weather prompted a move indoors.

“We should have won,” head coach Brad Adams said, “Tighe and Josh were not able to finish, but were playing very tight matches.”

Before the match was stopped, the ‘Cats were defeated, 4-0.

In doubles, Suarez and Choi lost, 6-4. Fourticq and Brunetti faced the same fate, losing 6-4 in their match, while Robinson and Gordon’s game was unfinished, with a 5-4 lead

over their opponents.

In singles, Robinson, Nguyen and Brunetti had unfinished matches, yet Gordon, Khromchenko and Fourticq were all able to finish. However, those three singles all resulted in losses, leading to a 4-0 defeat for the Wildcats against Xavier.

Heading into their third match of the week, Adams was optimistic.

“In the past we have dominated Loyola,” Adams said. “Although they are a good team, many of their players tend to be overlooked during the recruitment period, and end up playing at Loyola. We have higher quality players, and if we are able to lock in, we should walk away with a win.”

Coach Adams’ predictions

held true, as the Cats ended with a 6-1 victory over Loyola.

All three doubles teams won against their competition, Choi and Suarez won, 6-2, while Fourticq and Brunetti swept their competition in a 6-0 match. Robinson and Gordon also brought home a win, going 6-2 in their match.

In addition to the doubles teams, singles was also a success for ‘Cats with Brunetti, Gordon, Khromchenko, Nguyen and Fourticq all winning their matches.

With the long week behind them, the ‘Cats are now gearing up for their match this Wednesday, March 22, in Lancaster, PA against Franklin and Marshall. They head into the match with a 5-9 overall record.

Women’s Tennis Has Weekend Split

6-3 and 6-4.

The women’s tennis team played back-to-back matches this past weekend, winning their first match against Stony Brook, 4-1, but fell to Army, 4-1, the next day.

“It was a good weekend,” head coach Steve Reiniger said. “We switched up our doubles teams, and although we did not get the doubles point in either match, it seemed to benefit the team.”

The Wildcats played strong on Friday, with Emi Callahan and Maggie Gehrig beating Stoney Brook’s Loreto Villalba-Rubio and Kristi Boro, 6-4, in doubles.

The rest of the team relayed on singles, with Emma Brogan and Bella Steffen losing, 7-6, as well as Valieriia Kornieva and Amanda Rivera-González being defeated, 6-3.

Once singles started, things started to look up for Villanova as they swept the Seawolves. Out of the six matches, only four were completed, yet all four ended in victory for the ‘Cats.

Brogan won in two, going 6-2 and 6-4. Callahan played against Chandrika Joshi and while she ended the first round, 3-6, she came back to win, 6-2, in the next two to clinch the victory.

Gehrig also won her match in two; 6-4 and 6-3. Both Kornieva and Steffen’s matches were not finished, but Caitlin Fisher finished strong for the team, going

The following day, the ‘Cats got ready to take on Army, and despite the loss “[they] competed very well,” Reiniger said. “Valieriia and Callahan were playing extremely well, and could have won their matches had the game not been called.”

Doubles did not go in Villanova’s favor, with Callahan and Gehrig losing, 6-2. Kornieva and Rivera-González lost, 6-1, and Brogan and Steffen’s march was left unfinished.

While the Wildcats headed into singles behind, they were able to find slight success.

Steffen won her match in three, going 3-6, 6-4 and 6-3, but the rest of the team ultimately fell. Reflecting on the weekend, it was clear that Brogan brought success for the ‘Cats.

“Brogan was a stand out player this weekend,” Reiniger said. “As the number one on the team, she is constantly facing the toughest competition, and within this weekend and the entire season, she has risen to the occasion and played great tennis.”

Now with a 4-10 overall record and a 2-2 conference record, the Wildcats will have a break this week to focus on practice.

Next week, Villanova will take the court again for three matches.

They will first take on Seton Hall on Monday, March 27, followed by Loyola Maryland on Wednesday, April 1.

Men’s tennis celebrates 6-1 win over the Greyhounds. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Lauren Armstrong Staff Writer

Women’s tennis brought home a win over Stony Brook this past weekend. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Outdoor Track Season Commences at the Penn Challenge

Jacob Artz Staff Writer

After the Indoor Track and Field NCAA Championships, head coach Marcus O’Sullivan set goals that the team desires to accomplish.

“The goals now are, obviously for us, are Penn Relays in April, and qualifying for Nationals,” O’Sullivan said. “We’re hosting the Big East at home at Villanova, so that’s going to be a highlight for us.”

All of these goals must have a starting point, and that first step began with the kickoff of the outdoor season at the Penn Challenge at Franklin Field.

A total of 10 Villanova athletes competed in six different events last Saturday, which included two third-place finishes.

“I thought we had a solid showing,” associate head coach Anthony Williams said. “Guys competed well. They pretty [much] picked up right where they left off from the Big East Championships.”

Junior Jakob Kunzer was one of the two third-place finishers in the 400-meter dash, with a time of 49.32.

Kunzer also helped the 4-by-400 meter relay team to achieve a third-place finish as the second leg at the Indoor Big East Championships last month and a fifth-place finish in last year’s Outdoor Big East Championships as the anchor.

In the same 400-meter dash, freshman Ronan O’Neill came in sixth, posting a time of 49.92. Other results from the 400-meter dash for the Villanova contingent included freshman Luke Rakowitz with a time of 50.54, and junior William Seijas who recorded a time of 51.82.

The other third-place finisher was Nicholas Mollica in the 400-meter hurdles, with a time posted of 54.20. Junior Mac Costonis ran a 55.38 for fifth place.

Mollica is looking to claim one spot better in the Big East Championship this year, as he placed second in last year’s contest in the 400-meter hurdle final when he posted a time of 52.40.

Mollica was also a part of the 4-by-400-meter relay team that placed fifth in the Indoor Big East Championships last month as the first leg.

“He just has to make that step-in practices every day,” Williams said of Mollica’s ability to win the 400-meter hurdle Big East Championship race this year. “He just has to find ways to take his game to that next level over the next few weeks.”

With the dawn of the outdoor season, the throwing events are now in full swing. Sophomore Tristan Bolinsky threw for distances of 46.83 meters in the discus and 52.22 meters in the hammer.

Bolinsky is looking to reach greater heights this season, as he won the Outdoor Big East Championships as a true freshman in the discus with a throw of 49.07 meters and placed seventh in the

WEEKLY SCOREBOARD

Mar. 15 - Mar. 21

hammer with a heave of 52.31 meters.

“Their goal is just to try to provide some solid support for the rest of the team,” Williams said.

Freshman Liam Anderson competed in the shot put and the discus, throwing the shot put 12.98 meters and 34.78 meters in the discus.

The long jump featured two freshmen: Daelyn Nwaobasi and Sanjay Persaud. Nwaobasi jumped to a mark of 6.49 meters and Persaud recorded a result of 5.70 meters. This was a personal best for Nwaobasi, who finished sixth in the event and Persaud finished twelfth in his debut for the event.

“I think they kind of threw off their freshmen mantle last fall the way they got after it in terms of their practice, their being responsible and just holding themselves accountable,” Williams said of the freshmen competing at the Penn Challenge. “The experience is good for them.”

Next up for the Wildcats are the Raleigh Relays next Friday and Saturday at the Paul Derr Track and Field Facility.

This meet will feature the men’s long-distance runners with the middle-distance and sprints working in practice during the week and not traveling.

“Next week’s kinda of a mixed bag because…[we’re] taking a bunch of 10k runners, and most of the other kids won’t compete,” Williams said. “It’s going to be a week to get some practices in.”

Men’s Lacrosse Continues Winning Ways

The No. 7 Villanova men’s lacrosse team took down unranked Monmouth, 10-6, at Kessler Stadium in West Long Branch, NJ, on Saturday, followed by a commanding 17-6 win over Navy on home turf.

The red hot Villanova squad has now extended their winning streak to five in a row, improving to 6-1 on the season.

Coming off their best performance of the season in a close 9-8 win against No. 15 Penn, a team they lost to last year, the Wildcats took all their momentum and swung it into another dominating win to push themselves up two spots in the national poll from the previous week.

After Monmouth struck first to go out ahead, 1-0, Villanova jumped out to a dominating 6-1 lead in the first 20 minutes of gameplay. The Wildcats then extended that lead to 8-1 at halftime.

Seven of the ten goals were scored by fifth year captain seniors: midfielder Matt Campbell and attack Patrick Daley. Saturday was Campbell’s fifth outing with multiple goals this season, the sixth for Daley.

“Matt and Patrick have continued to perform well on the field this season,” head coach Mike Corrado said.

Campbell is now the program’s all time leader in goals scored, while Daley recently passed the 100 career goal milestone.

“Both of them are constantly working with our more inexperienced players on ways to improve,” Corrado said. “They have truly embraced their leadership role and the responsibility that comes with being captains.”

Coming out of halftime, Monmouth scored two goals inside of four minutes to cut the lead to 8-3.

In the fourth, Campbell scored his fourth goal of the day to put the game at 10-4 Villanova and out of reach for the Hawks.

The win also demonstrated a tremendous defensive effort from the ‘Cats. Villanova gave up 32 goals in

its first two games of the season, but since then, the Wildcats average just 8.2 goals per game in their last five outings.

Up until the Navy game, Villanova’s win streak has consisted entirely of road opponents. Two of the wins were against ranked opponents, and three were by more than four goals.

This effort is thanks in part to fifth-year goalie Will Vitton. Vitton reached double digits in saves for the fifth time this season, and it was also his third straight game with 11 total stops. By the end of their game, he moved up to fourth place in school history with 585 career saves.

Vitton also leads all active Division I goalies with 2,982:03 career minutes, and the win on Saturday marked his 32rd career win which, two away from tying Villanova’s alltime record.

Wednesday, March 15

Women’s Lacrosse vs. Lafayette

W 15-1

Baseball @ Penn

L 15-5

Thursday, March 16

Friday, March 17

Women’s Tennis vs. Stony Brook

W 4-1

Softball vs. Creighton

W 4-3

Softball vs. Creighton

W 8-7

Baseball vs. Rider

W 7-6

Men’s Tennis vs. Xavier

L 0-4

Saturday, March 18

Women’s Lacrosse vs. Quinnipiac

W 16-12

Water Polo vs. No. 24 LIU

L 6-13

Water Polo vs. VMI

W 21-6

Men’s and Women’s Track @ Penn Challenge

No Team Scoring

Baseball vs. Rider

L 3-11

Baseball vs. Rider

L 0-4

Softball vs. Creighton

W 10-4

Men’s Lacrosse @ Monmouth

W 10-6

Women’s Tennis @ Army

L 1-4

WBB vs. Cleveland St. NCAA Championships

W 76-59

Sunday, March 19

Water Polo @ No. 18 Wagner

L 9-18

Monday, March 20

Men’s Tennis @ Loyola MD

W 6-1

WBB vs. Florida Gulf Coast

NCAA Championships

W 76-57

Tuesday, March 21

Softball @ Towson

W 7-5

Softball @ Towson

W 6-0

Baseball @ Bucknell

L 3-4

Men’s Lacrosse vs. Navy

W 17-6

Looking forward to the next game of the week, the Wildcats headed back home to take on Navy.

“Navy is an extremely talented and athletic group,” Corrado said pregame. “I expect them to play an aggressive, fast paced style of lacrosse. We have to be prepared for this pace.”

The Wildcats took the field with the momentum from their prior win, beating the Midshipmen by double digits.

Daly contributed with five goals, while Matt Licata and Austin Frasier added three goals each.

Campbell also chipped in on the offensive end with two goals and six assists.

Villanova will remain at home for its two games this week. It will first play Brown on Monday, March 27, followed by its matchup against St. John’s on April 1.

Anders Pryor Staff Writer

Men’s Lacrosse has won six games in a row. Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography

Brooke Ackerman Co-Sports Editor

THE BACKPAGE

Across

3. America runs on it

5. They had Villanova Women’s Basketball winning their bracket

6 Party during the day

9. They’re magically delicious

11. Women’s basketball player who had a career high against FGCU

12. The team men’s basketball lost to in the NIT

14. Cookie and ice cream spot on Lancaster Ave

16. Famous actor who doesn’t date women over the age of 25

17. The month of madness

ASK THE VILLANOVAN

The sandwich guy keeps rizzing up my girlfriend. What should I do?

Go up and order a sandwich with extra cheese. He’ll get the hint.

I got stuck on Main Campus (by the CEER construction) and didn’t get priority housing. Any advice?

First of all, that sucks. Being on main as a freshman is not ideal, and I’m sure you want to be in the Quad next year. I would certainly reach out to housing and see if there’s anything they can do. It’s not fair that everyone around you gets priority housing but you don’t even though you’re aff ected by the construction too.

I have a bad registration time for classes. What do I do?

Go back to high school and take more APs.

My friends are all excited about women’s basketball making it to the Sweet 16, but I don’t know anything! What should I do?

I’m glad you ask... the answer is on pages 2 and 19.

My housing options are living on the ground fl oor of Sullivan/Sheehan or Alumni. Which do I pick?

Living in the Quad is a great experience, but the ground fl oor is A LOT. Alumni is going to be a lot calmer, but it’s also farther away from everything else. I’d recommend Sully/Sheehan because you’ll be around so many sophomores. Plus, it builds character.

Down

1. Cartoon show with 34 seasons

2. Trump: “I have never seen a thin person drinking...”

4. Name of the path between south campus and the bridge

5. What the British put on toast

6. Coach who just won her 400th game

7. Romance reality show where one man dates 20 women

8. Famous California music festival

10. Club on campus that handles tours

13. Selena Gomez’s makeup brand

15. Villanova’s opponent in the Sweet 16

Photos by Graydon Paul/Villanovan Photography

Brooke Ackerman Co-Sports Editor

Matt Ryan Associate Editor-in-Chief

The point system for rankings was based upon looks, appeal of name and, of course, the fact that we are indeed the Villanova Wildcats.

1. Villanova Wildcats: Will D. Cat Classy. Simple. He’s our hero, and one hell of a dancer (he also personally gave Brooke a fist bump).

2. Maryland Terrapins: Testudo the Terrapin Testudo might be my first son’s name after this. 10/10.

3. South Carolina Gamecocks: Cocky

What a name. If it weren’t for the narcissism, this would be number one.

4. Ohio State Buckeyes: Brutus Buckeye

This flows off the tongue. It’s a rare thing, but we approve.

5. Ole Miss Rebels: Tony the Landshark

The name doesn’t flow quite right, but we are reasonable people. The landshark is original: +5 points.

Mascot Madness

6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: The Leprechaun

To have a whole mascot dedicated to one holiday is pretty cool, but that’s only one day out of the year. St. Patrick’s Day was so last week.

7. UCLA Bruins: Joe the Bruin

It’s simple, and Joe’s pretty American if you ask us. Slightly bland, but we’re patriotic people and willing to look past it.

8. Colorado Buffaloes: Ralphie the Buffalo

Ralphie was put in the middle of the pack simply out of fear. Google images of “Ralphie the Buffalo,” and you’ll understand why.

9. Tennessee Volunteers: Smokey

Love the name, Smokey, but we still don’t know what a Volunteer is, unless it means that you’re being charitable.

10. Iowa Hawkeye: Herky the Hawk

Who doesn’t love a good alliteration? They missed a key chance to rhyme Herky with Beef Jerky, though, so points off for that.

11. Louisville Cardinals: Louie the Cardinal Brownie points for having the mascot fully relate to the school. But, sorry, Louie, your name just doesn’t flow right.

12. Utah Utes: Swoop

What does this even mean? Our minds went to Nike, but apparently we’re being told it’s a bird? If you receive clarification on why it’s named “Swoop,” please contact us: villanovan.eic@gmail.com

13. Miami Hurricanes: Sebastian the Ibis

Anytime you have to Google what the animal is, you should really question if that’s what you want your mascot to be… also, the Cavinder twins have more clout than you. Step it up, Sebastian.

14. Virginia Tech Hokies: HokieBird

We don’t really understand the whole two words put together. Also, you know it’s an L mascot when you have to let people know what kind of animal it is.

15. LSU Tigers: Mike the Tiger

This is painfully basic.

16. UConn Huskies: Jonathan the Husky

Just re-read that name back to yourself…does that sound like a mascot that you want repping your school? This is basketball, not Wall Street, Jonathan.

The Story So Far: Why the ‘Cats Are Dancing

double figures.

Thirty wins in the 2022-23 season sets a record for the Villanova women’s program, previously held by the 1981-82 team with a record of 29-4. The team also achieved the program’s highest AP ranking since the poll debuted in 1976 at 10.

The road to a 30-6 record for the ‘Cats has involved dominance from senior forward Maddy Siegrist, who led the team in scoring in all 36 of the team’s games this season.

The season started with four straight road wins for the ‘Cats, the most impressive of which came against eventual Ivy League champions and NCAA Tournament team Princeton. The Tigers were ranked 24th in the nation at the time. Siegrist dropped in 32 on 70% shooting from the field while sophomore guard Lucy Olsen contributed 18 in a 69-59 win.

The ‘Cats went into their Thanksgiving tournament, the Gulf Coast Showcase, with a 4-0 record. They went 2-1 in Florida, with wins over Belmont and tournament team South Florida, and a five-point loss to tournament team No. 21 Baylor.

The first home game for the ‘Cats came in December against tournament team Creighton in the opener of conference play. It would be a loss, with the Bluejays handing the ‘Cats their second loss of the season, 67-46. Siegrist contributed 25, but no other Wildcat reached

The ‘Cats then rattled off three wins before facing another loss, this time at the hands of tournament team then-No. 14 Iowa St. in the Invesco QQQ Hall of Fame Showcase at Mohegan Sun Arena, 74-62. Siegrist scored 32 in the loss.

A nine-game win streak was next for the ‘Cats, as the team got into the heft of conference play. Eight of the nine wins came against Big East teams. The win streak would be broken by tournament two-seed UConn with a 63-58 loss at the XL Center in Hartford.

Siegrist dropped 50 points in a win against Seton Hall on February 11, setting a record for most points in a single game by a Wildcat.

A home loss to the Huskies came in mid-February, 60-51. The ‘Cats went into the Big East Tournament with a record of 26-5. They reached the tournament final but fell to the Huskies for the third time, 67-56.

The ‘Cats went into the NCAA Tournament as a four-seed, hosting the first and second rounds. The ‘Cats came away with wins in both the first two rounds of the tournament, 76-59 against Cleveland St. and 76-57 against Florida Gulf Coast. In the game against Cleveland St., Siegrist became just the fifth NCAA player to ever score 1,000 points in a season.

The ‘Cats advance to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2003 where they will face nine-seed Miami in Greenville, South Carolina, on Friday at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN.

The mascots of the NCAA Women’s basketball Divsion I Sweet Sixteen Design by Natalie Zickel, Co-Digital Editor

Owen Hewitt Co-Sports Editor

The Wildcats celebrate after their first round win over Cleveland State. Graydon Paul/Villanovan Photography