The Villanovan | Volume 114, Issue 8: March 23, 2022

WEDNESDAY MARCH 22, 2022 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan

STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916

VOLUME 117 | ISSUE 8

All SGA University Raises $492,385.19 in Ninth Elections Annual NOVADance Fundraiser Uncontested Lydia McFarlane Staff Writer

SGA elections for the 2022-2023 academic year are underway. However, all of the candidates are running for their positions uncontested, and many other positions have no one running.

This is unusual, as election year can usually be characterized by students campaigning, with those who are not running checking election results to see who will represent the student body for the upcoming academic year.

Although none of the races was contested, elections were still held from Tuesday Mar. 15 through Wednesday Mar. 16. All students whose names appeared on the ballots in turn became members of SGA for the positions they were running for, regardless of how the voting went. In an email from the SGA voting commission, the importance of the election process regardless of the uncontested races was emphasized.

“Even though there are no contested races within SGA this Spring semester, which means all students on the ballot will be members of SGA, it is still important for students to be a part of and become familiar with the election process,” the SGA Elections Committee said.

Although many SGA positions are still vacant, SGA is encouraging students to sign up for these positions through Wednesday, Mar. 23.

Through the form, students can sign up for vacant executive board positions that SGA is hoping to fill before the start of the Fall 2022 semester. The positions that still need filling are Chief of Staff, Director of Finance, Director of Public Relations, Director of Programming, Director of Athletics, and Chief Justice.

In addition to the executive board positions that need filling, there are Continued on p. 2

Sarah Wisniewski Co-News Editor

The University hosted its annual NOVAdance on Mar. 19 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the Jake Nevin Fieldhouse. This year marks the ninth year of the University’s participation in the dance marathon.

NOVAdance raised $492,385.19 this past weekend, exceeding the $100,000 goal of the day.

The money raised during the marathon will assist 492 families.

The event supports year-long efforts to

NOVADance supports year-long efforts to fundraise for families of children battling childhood cancer.

Courtesy of Maggie Mengel/Villanovan Photography

fundraise for families of children battling childhood cancer. The 12-hour dance marathon acts not only as an opportunity to raise more funds but also celebrates B+ Heroes, the children fighting against cancer. The dance event brings the community together and proves the immense support Villanova students have for the Heroes and their families.

The theme for NOVAdance 2022 was “Celebrate Our Strength,” a reminder to the entire B+ and NOVAdance community that unity will only further the fight against

childhood cancer.

The event kicked off in the morning with the “Wake Up, Shake Up.” This included introductions, cheers and of course, the signal to start dancing.

As community members entered the Jake Nevin basketball court, the main stage for the dance marathon, everyone admired the posters hung around with words of encouragement and shout outs to B+ Heroes.

One of the first dance events included Zumba with Mackenzie Wenzel of the Villanova Dance Team.

Following Zumba, members were invited to participate in line dancing.

Other organizations were invited to showcase their dance moves as well.

The Villanova Dance Company performed a routine, followed by Nova Noise, the University’s tap group. VU Superlative, a multicultural dance crew, also performed a routine and encouraged others to get moving too. Each group also fundraised through their social media channels and asked their respective followers to consider donating to the cause.

teams remaining in the hunt for a national championship, advancing to play in San Antonio. Villanova will play against No.11 Michigan on Thursday night, with tipoff scheduled for

7:29 PM Eastern Time.

The matchup against Michigan is a rematch of the 2018 National Championship game, and is even in the same city. In 2018, the Wildcats

defeated the Wolverines, 7962, in the Alamodome, while Thursday’s matchup will be held in the AT&T Center.

“We’re just happy to be moving on,” graduate guard Collin Gillespie said after Villanova’s win against Ohio State. “We’re taking it one day at a time. … There’s a lot of things we can do to get better this week and prepare for Michigan. We know how great of a team they are and the difficulties they present.”

Villanova was led to Continued on p. 12

Continued on p. 2

‘Nova Men’s Basketball Advances to Sweet 16 Colin Beazley

Co-Editor in Chief 16.

And then there were

No.2 Villanova advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament over the weekend, cruising past No.15 Delaware, 80-60, before weathering a late storm from No.7 Ohio State to win, 71-61.

By winning both games at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, the Wildcats clinched their place in the final 16

Villanova advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

Courtesy of Olivia Pasquale/Villanovan Photography

University Receives Multiple Large Donations p. 3

University Professor Urges Students to Wear Masks p. 4

Matthew J Ryan Center Hosts “Future of American Conservatism” p. 5

Pro and Con: University Tuition Increase p. 6

Mind Your March Madness Bracket Etiquette p. 7

Supernovas Makes ICCA Semifinals p. 9

Augustinians of Villanova: Father Rob Hagan p. 10

Women’s Track and Field Starts Outdoor Campaign p. 12

Men’s Tennis Falls to Lehigh p. 13

Women’s Lacrosse Falls to No.10 Michigan p. 15

2 | The Villanovan

News Opinion Culture Sports

1 6 8 12

PUBLIC SAFETY BLOTTER

VOL. 114 | ISS. 8 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan

COLIN BEAZLEY VIVI MELKONIAN TINA ARON CATE McCUSKER RACHEL REINIGER SARAH SWEENEY SARAH WISNIEWSKI BELLA IRWIN JACKIE THOMAS A.J. FEZZA ELENA ROUSE CHLOE MILLER MATTHEW RYAN MEGHANN MORHARDT MOLLY BAKER OLIVIA PASQUALE

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

NEWS

Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor-in-Chief Senior Editor Digital Editor News Editor News Editor Opinion Editor Opinion Editor Culture Editor Culture Editor Culture Editor Sports Editor Sports Editor Copy Desk Chief Photography Editor

MICHAEL BRADLEY Advisor DEENA SMITH Advisor CONTACT villanovan.eic@gmail.com

Liquor Underage / Disorderly Conduct March 13, ST. MARY’S HALL A non-affiliated female, under the age of 21, appeared in public appeared in public acting disorderly.

Liquor Underage / Disorderly Conduct March 13, ST. MARY’S HALL A female resident student, under the age of 21, appeared in public acting disorderly and was evaluated for intoxication.

This same female was cited for Disorderly Conduct.

Criminal Trespass March 11, RUDOLPH HALL Unknown actor(s) intentionally damaged a fire extinguisher door panel in a University Building.

Criminal Mischief March 14, W-2 STUDENT LOT A resident student’s vehicle was damaged by an unknown object while parked in W-2 Parking lot.

Theft By Deception March 14, AUSTIN HALL A male resident student reported being the victim of an online theft by deception.

The amount of the loss is $3800.00.

Carrying a False Identification/ Liquor Underage March 18, MAIN CAMPUS GROUNDS A female resident student, under the age of 21, was evaluated by VEMS for alcohol intoxication.

Indecent Assault March 14, STANFORD HALL A student reported that she was fondled without consent by another student.

Paraphernalia March 20, SOUTH CAMPUS GROUNDS Police and Public Safety Officers found drugs and paraphernalia with no owner present.

Criminal Mischief March 12, WHOLE CAMPUS Resident Assistant reported that the entry card reader to Good Counsel Hall was torn off and inoperable.

CORRECTIONS 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.

COVID-19 TRACKER CONFIRMED CUMULATIVE CASES AS OF 6:00 P.M. TUESDAY, MARCH 22

1308

3

Cumulative Cases Estimated Active (From 1/5) Cases

16.60K

Total Number of Tests (From 1/5)

752

Residential Students

358

Non-Residential Students

198

Employees

ASK THE VILLANOVAN “I have the last possible time for schedule registration and all my classes for next year will be full. What should I do?”

Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Download Coursicle and track classes that you hope to get a seat in. It will send you a notification as soon as a seat opens so you can register right away. And remember, we have the whole summer to figure it out.

“I think this girl likes me, but I just want to be friends. I’m not really sure where to go from here…?”

If you want to have any shot at friendship, you should tell her. This way she can move on, recover, and you guys can move forward as friends. You have to do what’s best for you and she’ll understand!

NOVADance Success

Continued from p.1

Noel Doherty, arguably the most popular TikToker on campus, also joined the fundraising events.

He interviewed participants and had community members laughing and smiling during the event.

“As a freshman, my first NOVAdance experience was a blast,” Doherty said. “The whole place was brimming with energy and love the entire time. I think everyone should be proud of all we accomplished. I was honored to have been asked to come on stage and interview people live during the TikTok hours, but my favorite parts of NovaDance were watching and cheering on the other performers as well as meeting the Heroes.”

In addition to dance groups, other organizations offered up their singing abilities, including the all-male a capella group Villanova Spires.

Minor Problem, a co-ed a cappella group, also performed during the day.

Hour five was the talent hour when B+ Hero Lilly sang for community members in Jake Nevin.

As talents were being shown off, some students, also known as Sidekicks, shaved their heads in solidarity with the B+ Heroes.

Further into the marathon, it was “B+ Hero Hour,” where children battling cancer are paired with organizations on campus. Sorority Kappa Delta was paired with B+ Hero Frankie, and community members cheered him on as he received his cape.

Around 7 p.m., there were lip sync battles between students from all

around campus. Each lip sync battle was sponsored by donations, another way for members to raise money.

Following lip sync battles, the dancing transitioned into a rave with DJ 007 providing the music. The rave was also the teaser to the reveal of the total amount raised, announced at 9 p.m. Dancing continued until 10 p.m., as everyone celebrated the nearly half million dollars raised for families.

The day was a huge success. The NOVAdance Instagram page shared its thanks to everyone involved.

“Our hearts are so full,” the organization stated via an Instagram story. “Thank you to everyone who came today and made it such a magical experience.”

Other community members shared their response to the marathon.

“NOVAdance allows students who ordinarily might be disconnected from the world of pediatric cancer to learn, interact and genuinely support the Heroes and their families who know the disease all too well,” junior Jack Drennen said. “Seeing the positivity radiated throughout the process from both participants and the heroes is infectious and inspiring, and I cannot wait to be involved again next year.”

Students and community members can continue to support NOVAdance throughout the year during other events. Be sure to look out for announcements of more fundraising opportunities to get more involved.

“Where’s the best place to watch the game on Thursday?”

Belle Air Terrace in Conn.

The vibes are immaculate.

“What should I do if my bracket is already busted?”

Excuse me… why is it busted? Villanova is still in the tournament.

“I don’t follow sports at all but still want to participate in the Villanova basketball culture. What should I do to figure out what’s going on?”

Follow @novansports on Twitter. We live-tweet games and link our sports articles to tweets.

Everything you need to know is there.

SGA Elections Underway

Continued from p.1

also openings for positions within the Senate, Legislative and Executive Branches. Through a different link sent in the same email as the link for executive board applications on Saturday, March 19, students can sign up for several positions within those branches. The areas of SGA needing positions filled include Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Executive Administration, Finance, Public Relations and Athletic/Basketball Lottery, as well as Judicial under the Programming branch.

Only three positions on the executive board have been filled so far: President, Vice President and Vice President of the DEI nominee.

The student body president for the upcoming academic year will be junior Jose Garcia, and his running mate and incoming student body vice president is sophomore Thomas Dessoye. The incoming vice president of DEI is junior Kamil Vickers.

Despite the uncontested races, the incoming president and vice president want to assure University students that they are ready and prepared to represent and advocate for everyone.

“In terms of running uncontested, this is one of the only times in SGA’s history where it has actually happened for both student body president and vice president positions,” Dessoye said. “Even though we did not have to campaign as much, Jose and I still want to build a strong relationship with the Villanova community by holding tabling events across campus where students get to know more about us, what we stand for, and how we can represent them to the best of our ability.”

As a team, Dessoye and Garcia want to use their time serving to “bridge the gap between other organizations and student leaders on campus, advocate and push for more diversity and representation at Villanova and listen to all students.”

While there are still several positions that need filling, students can be sure that Dessoye and Garcia will do their best to represent and advocate for the community as a whole.

To help with their transition and to make sure students have a voice within SGA, make sure to check the emails and apply to the open positions

by Wednesday, March 23 through the links included in the SGA emails.

Garcia and Dessoye were newly elected SGA President and VP. Courtesy of Thomas Dessoye

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

The Villanovan | 3

NEWS

University Receives Multiple Large Donations Kathy Fair Staff Writer University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. recently announced several significant alumni donations to Villanova, discussing uses for the contributions as part of the recently developed Strategic Plan.

A $20 million gift from alumnus Victor J. Maggitti Jr., ’56 VSB, in support of the University’s Falvey Library, was most recently announced.

The University’s vision is to transform the facility into a dynamic hub to enrich the academic life of the entire campus community.

“Villanova and the Library have always held such a special place in my life, so this gift is especially meaningful to me,” Maggitti Jr. said in a statement. “The Library is the heart of the academic experience, and my gift is an investment in this important University priority. Villanova shaped who I am today, and through this gift, I hope to help impact the lives of generations of Villanovans to come.”

Maggitti is the Founder and President of Vimco, Inc. He is a long standing supporter of Villanova who was recognized for his commitment with the 2006 St. Thomas of Villanova Medal—the highest honor bestowed by the Villanova University Alumni Association. Throughout the years, he has provided leadership-level support to the University’s Athletics facilities, as well as the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts.

“We are extremely grateful to Vic for his remarkable generosity,” Father Peter said. “There are few campus spaces that touch as many Villanova lives, or so powerfully set the tone for the University as Falvey Library. Vic’s gift will allow the University to advance learning

and discovery, creating a place where students, faculty, staff and the global community of scholars can access, create and share knowledge.”

Second, the Office of the President announced a $10 million gift from The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation to support several significant initiatives, including the continued modernization of Falvey Library. The gift will also establish an endowed chair in the DiLella Center for Real Estate within VSB, as well as a new University-wide speaker series.

A building on campus in Villanova’s newest residences, known as The Commons, will be named “Hovnanian Hall.”

“I am extremely grateful to the Hovnanian Family Foundation for this gift, which demonstrates its confidence in Villanova’s mission and desire to continue to move the University forward,” Father Peter said.

“The Foundation’s generosity will have a significant impact on key priorities of our strategic plan, Rooted.

Restless., and provide critical funding to our academic enterprise.”

“Through this gift, we hope to further enhance the academic experience for all Villanova students and support the University’s vision for the future,” said Siran H. Sahakian, who serves as vice president of her family’s foundation, The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation.

The Foundation was founded by the late Hirair Hovnanian ’56 COE to support charitable causes relating to Armenian culture and education, as well as organizations in the United States focused on education, healthcare and real estate development training.

Villanova also announced $13.5 million in leadership gifts towards the expansion of its College of Engineering’s primary academic building, the Center for Engineering Education and Research (CEER).

The University has received signif-

icant support for the project from Engineering alumni, including $5 million gifts from both John “Jack” G. Drosdick and Richard K. Faris and a $3.5 million gift from Nance K. Dicciani, PhD. Drosdick, a ’65 College of Engineering graduate, is the retired chairman and chief executive officer of Sunoco, Inc. and former chair of Villanova’s Board of Trustees. In recognition of his $5 million gift, the University will establish the Drosdick Innovation Lab, featuring a state-ofthe-art, two-floor maker space that will enable students to design and build prototypes.

Faris, a ’69 College of Engineering and ’70 Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) graduate, is a retired Senior VP of Product Development of Oracle Corporation’s Primavera Global Business Unit. In recognition of his $5 million gift, the College of Engineering’s structures lab was named the Richard K. Faris

’69 CE, ’70 MSCE Structural Engineering Teaching and Research Laboratory.

Dicciani is a ’69 College of Engineering graduate, CEO and co-founder of RTM Vital Signs LLC, medical device startup company and a former Villanova trustee who contributed $3.5 million to the expansion.

In recognition of her gift, the Biomaterials and Polymers Lab in the new space will be named the Nance K. Dicciani PhD ‘69 Biomaterials and Polymers Laboratory.

The addition will include 11 flexible laboratory spaces designed for multidisciplinary teams to work together on topical areas of research, classrooms that can adapt to various teaching and lecture formats and a two-story Innovation Lab, which will include workspaces, tools and equipment for building, and space for largescale project work. The expansion is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2024.

Cupola Hall will be renamed Hovnanian Hall.

Courtesy of Peter Licopantis/Villanovan Photography

Groups on Campus Host Events for St. Patrick’s Day Nicole Celis Staff Writer This weekend on campus, students celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day with a variety of festivities.

To kick it off, on Thursday Mar. 17 Campus Activities Team hosted a St. Patrick’s Day Carnival and Arcade Game Night.

There were free food trucks, including a pizza truck, as well as bounce houses and cookie decorating.

Students were excited about the treats being handed out for the holiday.

“Saint Patrick’s Day is by far my favorite holiday of the year, which often people are confuseed about,” junior Sarah Wisniewski said. “My family always throws a big party to celebrate, so when I am at school I miss the celebrations. I was wondering around on Thursday and saw the cookie decorating in the Connelly Center. It brought a little added joy to my Saint Patrick’s Day.” The night ended with St. Patrick’s Day themed Quizzo with prizes and food for students.

On Friday, Kappa Delta hosted their annual Shamrock Cornhole

Tournament to raise money for their philanthropy, Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA).

Teams of four students each could enter for $40 to win prizes and free t-shirts. There were also raffles for students and the proceeds went to PCAA. Raffles included a Blue Mercury makeup class and gift cards to local restaurants.

Madi Plumer, Kappa Delta’s Director of Philanthropy, was excited to see such a large turnout for the event. “Kappa Delta is so lucky to have the support of the Villanova community in our efforts. It was such a great experience and it was so great to see everyone turn out for our philanthropy,” Plumber said.

The event took place on the Campus Green starting at 2 p.m., and students were able to play cornhole, purchase Wawa sandwiches, and dance to the DJ’s music during the tournament.

Although Villanova’s first game of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament was at the same time, many students still came out to support the cause and have fun with friends. They were all able to celebrate Villanova’s win on the Campus Green.

On Friday night, there were

more events on the Campus Green.

Fire pits were available to students and a variety of food trucks came to campus again. For students of age, there was a beer garden to attend on the Green. There was live Irish music throughout the night from The King Brothers and The John Byrne Band.

Also taking place on Friday night was Acapella Palooza in Jake Nevin, a showcase of all of the acapella groups on campus.

This was the first year since the pandemic that the event was able to take place to its pre-pandemic capacity. All eight acapella groups were able to perform for students and community members, including the

Spires and Nothing but Treble.

The weekend festivities came to a close on Saturday with NOVAdance, a 12 hour dance marathon to raise money to fight pediatric cancer.

The all year fundraiser supports the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, and many organizations on campus sign up to be their own team for fundraising.

All types of organizations on campus are represented at NOVAdance, from Greek Life to athletic teams. This year, NOVAdance raised $492,385.19 for their B+ Heroes, the children at the core of the mission of the fundraising.

Members of VU Irish Dance sold t-shirts for Saint Patrick’s Day. Courtesy of VU Irish Dance

4 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

NEWS

University Professor Urges Students To Wear Masks Sarah Sweeney Co-News Editor On Feb. 11, University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D., informed students, staff and faculty via email that the indoor masking requirement would be lifted effective Monday, Feb. 14. The responses of University community members varied greatly, with some praising the lifting of the mandate as a “surprise that is worth celebrating as a community” and others explaining that it “feels like a slap in the face.”

Those in favor of lifting the mask mandate cite the fact that “the [University] community is for the most part young, healthy and vaccinated.” Those on the other side of the spectrum highlight that “for the most part” does not encompass all members of the University community, specifically leaving out those most vulnerable to contracting coronavirus and suffering serious complications as a result.

Among the most vulnerable is Dr. David Barrett, a Political Science professor, who underwent a successful lung transplant last April. Barrett explained that he is currently on “three medications that try to prevent [his] body from [rejecting the new lung].”

“The problem is that those drugs also suppress my immunity to viral and bacterial infections,” Barrett stated.

“So, while most Villanovans have achieved good immunity to Covid from their vaccinations, I unfortunately have, according to medical tests,

almost no immunity. It’s as if I was never vaccinated.”

Barrett shared some facts, supported by various doctors and medical publications.

“Compared with the general vaccinated public, [organ-transplant recipients] are 82 times more likely to get breakthrough infections and 485 times more likely to be severely ill,” he said. “Should they get infected, their risk of hospitalization is a coin flip.

Their risk of death is one in 10.”

Barrett was very disappointed by the University’s decision to drop the mask mandate.

He emphasized the important effect masks can have in protecting the lives of the immunosuppressed.

“While I of course wear a mask whenever I am in buildings other than my home, I, and others who are immunosuppressed, need students, faculty, and staff on campus to wear a mask also,” Barrett said via email. “Is wearing one of those surgical masks really such a hard

thing to do if it can protect vulnerable Villanovans, when the science is clear that masks make a big difference in preventing disease spread?”

While Barrett praised the University for its accomodation in allowing him to work from home and granting faculty the ability to require masks in their classrooms, he does not believe this is enough.

He urged the University to do more to encourage students to wear masks inside public areas of campus buildings. While the last University statement spoke of “showing respect” to those who wear masks, “putting community first,” and “having a mask” with us at all times, “such vague language sounds nice, but achieves little-to-nothing,” Barrett explained.

He also urged students to take action as individuals.

“I said earlier that Villanova should be a prophetic institution, but I also think that we as individuals should be prophetic and do the right

Barrett is immunosupressed due to a recent lung transplant and supports wearing masks.

Courtesy of Dr. David Barrett

thing,” he said. “If someone asks ‘Why are you wearing a mask?’ you can say ‘I know there are some people on campus who are very vulnerable, and I wear it for them.’”

The University responded with the following quote: “Our priority throughout this pandemic has been the health and safety of our community. Villanova follows guidance from the CDC, Pennsylvania Department of Health and Chester County Health Department, along with monitoring the prevalence of COVID-19 on campus— reported on our dashboard—and in the region.

“While masking is currently optional on campus, community members are expected to have a mask with them at all times. Faculty may require students to wear masks in their classes, laboratories or offices, and students and staff may ask the same of one another. University employees continue to have the option to apply for a medical accommodation. Everyone is expected to be respectful of requests to wear a mask and individuals’ personal masking decisions as part of our care for each other as members of the Villanova community.”

Regardless of the current situation, Barrett has a lot of hope for the future.

“One of my ambitions is to start going back into the buildings on campus…to go back into the Connolly Center,” he said. “I don’t know when that’s going to be possible, but I miss it a lot”

University to Host Pizza with the Provost: Preview oversight of the academic enterprise including the University’s six colleges.

Prior to serving as Villanova’s Provost, Dr. Maggitti received a BS in Chemistry from On Mar. 30. 2022, the Saint Joseph’s University; an MBA University Student Government with high honors from the Johns Association (SGA) is hosting “Pizza with the Provost”, a unique Hopkins University; and a PhD in Strategic Management from the opportunity for students to have their academic questions answered University of Maryland. He then worked in the steel and mining

by Provost Magitti. This event industries, founding two successful has been offered in the past and continues to be an opportunity for companies and holding a variety of roles, including CEO and Distudents to interact with adminisrector of National Sales. tration.

Maggitti then moved to Patrick G. Maggitti, PhD, is the academic world, his research Villanova University’s first Provost. He serves as the number two interests focusing on two areas: The dynamic nature of competiofficer of the University and its tion between organizations; and Chief Academic Officer, which the manner in which executive entails leading the University’s overall strategic efforts and having and top manager’s characteristics, Sarah Sweeney Co-News Editor

The Connelly Cinema, inside the Connelly Center, will be the location of the event.

Courtesy of Villanova University

Provost Maggitti (far right) with Father Peter and others.

Courtesy of Main Line Media News

processes and behaviors influence strategic decision-making, innovation, creative problem-solving, and financial performance.

He then served as the Helen and William O’Toole Dean of the Villanova School of Business, spearheading its 2015 ranking as the #1 Undergraduate Business School in the U.S. by Bloomberg Businessweek. He is also the founder and former Carmen and Sharon Danella Director of the Villanova Center for Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE Center).

“I cannot wait for SGA’s annual Pizza with the Provost event to be back in person! Provost Maggitti is one of the most dynamic and engaging leaders on our campus and never disappoints.

His role as the Provost is often not fully understood by students, so this is a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from one of Villanova’s finest,” SGA Senator Elizabeth Vaughn explained.

“Topics that will be discussed include the CEER construction, the upcoming Falvey improvements, the university’s strategic plan, and many more.

The event will begin with a presentation by Provost Maggitti, followed by a structured panel, and ending with plenty of time for open questioning. Plus, as an added bonus, per the name, there will of course be plenty of pizza to go around!”

The event will be held on Mar. 30 at 5pm in the Connelly Center Cinema.

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

The Villanovan | 5

NEWS

Matthew J. Ryan Center Hosts “The Future of American Conservatism” A.J. Fezza Co-Culture Editor On Thursday, Mar. 10, the University’s Matthew J. Ryan Center hosted an event on “The Future of American Conservatism.”

The event took place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Driscoll Auditorium and had a panel featuring Timothy P. Carney, Sohrab Ahmari and William B. Allen.

Carney is a columnist and senior fellow at the famous public policy think tank known as the American Enterprise Institute. He is also the author of “Alienated America: Why Some Places Thrive While Others Collapse.” Ahmari is a columnist and author of “From Fire, by Water: My Journey to the Catholic Faith” and “The Unbroken Thread: Discovering the Wisdom of Tradition in an Age of Chaos.” Allen is an Emeritus Dean and Professor at James Madison College at Michigan State University and author of “Habits of Mind: Fostering Access and Excellence in Higher Education.”

While the event was not a debate, the panelists each brought forth unique and often-conflicting perspectives on the ideal path forward for American conservatism, resulting in some civil yet substantial disagreement.

The discussion began with the panelists giving opening statements.

This was followed by the panelists responding to each other’s opening statements, which progressively brought many new topics on the table and filled the entire hour of discussion. Finally, the panelists engaged in a brief Q&A with the audience.

Carney began his opening statement with a bold declaration.

“My hopes and predictions

are mostly the same: the future of conservatism will be cultural, and it will be populist,” Carney said.

This assertion went mostly unchallenged that night.

However, Carney also emphasized that this populist, cultural conservatism must occur through the appropriate channels, lest it betray the traditional principles of conservatism or lend room for leftist exploitation.

Carney referenced the book and film series “The Lord of the Rings” to illustrate his point. The power of the federal government is alluring, just like the Ring, but it is a power that is destructive and should be limited. For Carney, cultural battles should be fought not in Congress, but at the local level.

“A centralized culture war is a fight that the right loses,” Carney said.

Ahmari also began his opening statement with a cultural reference, this time to the legendary horror film “The Shining.” Ahmari compared the conservative movement to the film’s woman in Room 237: alluring from a distance but a horrifying monster upon closer inspection.

Ahmari sees the modern conservative movement as a holdover from the Cold War era, an amalgamation of three remarkably different camps that is now coming undone: business conservatives and libertarians, national security hawks and social conservatives and traditionalists.

Ahmari singled out the business libertarians (as distinguished from what he calls “folk libertarians”) in particular for their inability to deal with class dynamics and the “bondage of the American worker.”

For Ahmari, the way forward for American conservatism is not to maintain the conservative Cold War-era alliance, but rather to build a new alliance with folk libertarians and old-school non-woke progressives.

Unlike Carney, Ahmari expresses more willingness to use the federal government to achieve conservative ends.

“Culture is connected to power relations in society,” Ahmari said.

Allen, the final panelist, expressed uneasiness with Ahmari’s vision of conservatism. Allen spent most of his opening statement emphasizing the central principles of conservatism and their inherent conflict with big government.

“Conservatism is to keep what you have that is of value until you know you have a better replacement for it,” Allen said. “The future of conservatism is doomed unless we understand that that is its essential character.”

As the discussion continued, disagreements intensified, mostly with Carney and Allen on one side and Ahmari on the other. Allen deemed Ahmari’s political approach to be not conservative but counter-revolutionary.

“Ahmari wants a constructivist state through and through, and calls it conservatism,” Allen said.

Carney weighed in with related criticisms.

“A powerful state always has to be terrifying to conservatives,” Carney said. “Centralizing power in government or corporations is inherently destructive to freedom.”

Ahmari defended his approach against these remarks by contextualizing the current state of affairs. According to Ahmari, labor, capitalism and government had long worked together to achieve a fair balance of power. However, in the 1970s and 1980s, largely due to the rise of neoconservatives, labor lost its power, and the state weighed in to create the conditions people live in today.

Thus, using the federal government to achieve conservative ends would not

be an overstepping of boundaries — it would set things right.

“Maybe the order that you’re preserving is itself a product of radical change,” Ahmari said. “The conservative ideal of not using the weapon in your hand is highly unrealistic.”

The remainder of the discussion, including the Q&A portion, saw the focus turn to issues such as the transgender movement (with particular reference to trans woman Lia Thomas’s controversial role on the University of Pennsylvania’s swim team), commercial arbitration, the rise of “woke ideology” at the American university and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

These issues generally saw a larger degree of agreement between the panelists.

With reference to the war in Ukraine, Ahmari warned against the public “lurching from one hysteria to the other,” as had previously occurred in rapid succession with public reaction to Russiagate, COVID-19, the Black Lives Matter movement in summer 2020 and the COVID-19 vaccine.

Allen agreed with Ahmari and placed blame for such public hysteria on modern leaders in government and media.

“Fear is being cultivated,” Allen said. “Leaders are now cultivating fear.”

After the event ended, a reception was held in the lobby of Driscoll Hall, where attendees were treated to food and refreshments.

Overall, the night was one full of fascinating insights on the modern political landscape. principles.”

The event was made possible through the efforts of the Ryan Center, as well as the publication “The American Conservative.”

University Hosts Annual A Capella Palooza Emily Attisano Staff Writer On Friday night, the Jake Nevin Fieldhouse showcased Villanova’s eight a cappella groups in an exciting night of music, lights and choreography.

A Cappella Palooza began at 8 p.m, and audience members were required to purchase tickets from Villanovatix prior to attending.

The Palooza captured the talent of the Haveners, Measure Up, Minor Problem, Nothing But Treble, Sirens, Spires, Supernovas and Vocal Minority.

Each group brought a unique style of performance to the showcase, and the night was full of excitement and a shared love of music. From the compelling vocals and stunning choreography to the hosts’ Pitch Perfect-esque jokes, the night was bound to be a great success.

This year’s show was the first to embrace the pre-pandemic traditions of A Cappella Palooza, and the excitement of everyone in

attendance reflected such a tremendous moment.

Sophomore Rob Cuff of Vocal Minority had mixed emotions.

“Yeah I was a bit nervous at first because of the shortened sound check that had a lot of echo,” Cuff said. “Our tempo was completely messed up, but the combination of tech crew working their magic and the Jake Nevin Field House being com-

pleted packed fixed that concern.

The atmosphere and energy was completely different than anything I had experienced before. Every single group had multiple defining moments and amazing soloists.

This was the most fun I’ve ever had performing and observing a performance in my life so far.”

Each group appeared truly elated to be back performing, and their infectious energy resonated throughout the audience. The

A Capella groups performed for University members at the annual event.

Courtesy of Victoria Margenat/Villanovan Photography

feelings captured by each performance, from the emotional ballads to nostalgic songs, gave the night a sentimental atmosphere.

“This year’s Palooza was everything we hoped for and more,” Minor Problem member Skylar Musick said. “It felt amazing to be singing on stage together with lights and choreography.”

During the showcase, each group performed three songs, and there was something for everyone, whether it was 90s throwbacks or chart-toppers.

These songs, combined with fun choreography and amazing outfits, made each performance lovely to watch, and everyone was excited for more.

For the audience, it was obvious that each group was proud to be back performing and genuinely happy to participate in the showcase.

“I could not be more proud of all eight groups,” Musick said.

“We are truly a family. Everyone is so talented and absolutely killed it tonight.”

The night was a huge accomplishment for each group, and as always, A Cappella Palooza was a night one would not want to miss.

6 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

OPINION

OPINION

The Upsides of the University’s Tuition Increase Audrey Ryan Staff Writer On March 7, 2022, the Villanova community received an email from University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D., wherein news of a 4.25% tuition increase was announced under the headline “FY 2023 Budget,” following information regarding generous donations made by alumni and Women’s History Month resources.

Justifications for the tuition increase included the need to combat ongoing inflation, as well as University’s goal to increase undergraduate financial aid assistance, with the email emphasizing that the financial assistance budget has increased by 6.7% –– though this increase has also been attributed to an increase in the endowment.

The necessity for funds in order to achieve the University’s recently announced “Strategic Plan” serves as further rationale dedicated to addressing the budget.

However, news of the tuition increase was immediately met with blowback from students and faculty alike, many of whom have complained that the school’s amenities and services fail to justify the school’s current tuition, let alone an increase.

This concern also comes at a time when, amid the global pandemic and rising inflation rates, many are undergoing financial turmoil that a tuition increase may compound upon.

On the contrary, I feel that a tuition increase is necessary to

The University’s announcement of a significant tuition increase caused controversy across campus.

Courtesy of Olivia Pasquale/Villanovan Photography

ameliorate the ongoing problems of understaffing and to improve current building conditions.

The Strategic Plan, which the tuition increase promises to fund, addresses the enhancement of “academic facilities and scholarly resources, including classrooms, laboratories and libraries.”

Facility conditions serve as a pointed grievance for many University community members, myself included, who view the current infrastructure for buildings such as the St. Augustine Center for Liberal Arts, Tolentine Hall and Falvey Memorial Library, among others, as areas in which Villanova pales in comparison to

similarly ranked undergraduate institutions.

Furthermore, the tuition increase seeks to increase financial aid for the appallingly small population of low-income students at Villanova, which has been cited

by The New York Times as disproportionately low compared to overall economic diversity of the U.S. In order to bring in a more diverse student population, financial aid needs to be greater than it currently is, and the tuition increase rightfully seeks to address this problem.

Despite many reasonably viewing the increase in tuition

as a deterrent to lower-income students, it will actually assist in drawing in greater economic diversity should the school be able to use it to provide increased financial aid and scholarships.

Unlike many of its competitors, such as Boston College, which promise to account for 100% of a student’s demonstrated financial need, Villanova is currently unable to do so.

The recent tuition increase may allow the University to achieve its outlined goal of meeting full demonstrated need by the year 2030.

Furthermore, many students are currently referring to Villanova’s tuition increase as though it is an isolated anomaly, despite private colleges nationwide similarly increasing tuition at a rate that outpaces inflation.

The Hechinger Report refers to institutions such as the University of Virginia, Texas Christian University and Lafayette College, all of which are increasing their respective tuition costs by 4%, if not more, in the coming academic year.

However, despite my perhaps idealized view of the tuition increase and its purpose, I do hope that the school directs these increased funds to its alleged goals and that it does so with transparency and efficiency.

Ultimately, the remedying of the school’s current structural problems is incredibly pertinent and necessary, and I hope that in doing so, Villanova University will be able to justify its increased tuition and standing as one of the most expensive private institutions in the country.

Counter: Downsides of Tuition Increase Bella Irwin Co-Opinion Editor

dress these structural and practical problems is troubling.

Falling well within the category of medium-sized colleges, “FY 2023 Budget,” deVillanova has both a campus and tailing a 4.25% tuition increase, student body size comparable to was introduced to the Villanova institutions such as Lehigh Unicommunity on March 7, 2022 in an email from University President versity, whose tuition stands at $75,820–– a pretty penny, though, Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., still less than our current cost of Ph.D.. attendance.

With this being true, our Why, then, do certain cost of education is set to surpass colleges and universities like ours $80,000, a painfully high ceiling require so much more? that private universities seem inIn his message, Fr. Peter creasingly daring to cross. asserts that the goal of the tuition Why, though, is the increase is to reflect current in$77,705 we shell out to this Uniflation of the economy, as well as versity each year not enough?

What necessitates this increase? As “significant continued investment I hear the same question frequent- in the Strategic Plan, as well as programmatic initiatives.” Pracly repeated by students: where is our money going, and now, where tically, though, what exactly does this mean? will even more of it go?

One of the most glaring Having been a part of issues with the announcements is the Villanova community for two years now, the issues with building a lack of clarity. Given the sheer conditions, understaffing and func- amount of money involved, there tioning facilities (I could go on) are should be greater specification of what the “Strategic Plan” and plain and pervasive. these “programmatic initiatives” Indeed, the fact that a are, as well as greater specification payout of around $77,705 from an undergraduate student body of as to how our money will contribute to these policies.

6,812 people is not enough to ad-

In asking multiple Villanova students about their understanding of what these initiatives truly are, no one could provide an answer. Furthermore, some of these students were even unaware of the tuition increase as a whole.

This speaks volumes, highlighting another issue that comes hand in hand with this 4.25% tuition increase: transparency.

The announcement of the new FY 2023 budget lied tucked away behind updates and announcements regarding Black History Month and Women’s History Month on campus as well as the newly-renamed Hovnanian Hall.

A tuition increase, especially one that bumps our current cost of attendance beyond $80,000, is no small matter. Thus, to give an affair of this weight such little attention, grouped between other announcements is surprising and slightly alarming.

The cost of tuition has a direct effect on the ability of students to continue to attend this University. How can students accurately assess the financial stake this increase will take if they are

not even aware of it?

Many other colleges and universities have similarly reported an increase in tuition cost to reflect rising interest rates.

However, unlike Villanova, other institutions appeared to dedicate more time and effort to providing their student body with explicit reasoning behind these endeavors.

Georgetown University, for instance, devoted a complete letter to their tuition increase, incorporating a graphic, as well as links for students to acquire further information on this matter.

Villanova, then, clearly did not dedicate the same attention to student awareness and understanding of this issue as that of other schools.

The new FY 2023 Budget will, undoubtedly, bring more money to help address many structural and practical issues on campus.

Ultimately, I can only hope that greater attention will be given to clarifying both the goal and implementation of these programs, actively keeping us, the Villanova community, in the loop.

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

The Villanovan | 7

OPINION

CLAS Core Curriculum: Requirement or Burden?

Maddie Koenig Staff Writer

courses, but they are difficult to wedge into the already busy schedules of students who may be solely The most wonderful time interested in one major. of the year is upon us: course regThe requirements do not istration. Students schedule their stop at the number of extra credits weeks around specified course students are supposed to obtain. registration time slots, which are They go beneath the surface withfollowed by either loud exhales of in the “Core Attributes” section of relief or frantic searches for differ- each course. ent class times.

For instance, students Here’s the catch: when looking to study abroad might planning out semester courses think that they could achieve their ahead of time, students in the Col- history requirement while they are lege of Liberal Arts and Sciences abroad in a place rich with ancient have a little more difficulty. history like Europe. However, the On top of taking the history requirement is only attainrequired courses for their majors able here at Villanova. and minors, CLAS students also Freshman Elle Fallon is a must factor in the 20 extra core Communication major in CLAS curriculum courses that they have who is also obtaining a Business to take as an Arts and Sciences minor through the Summer Busistudent. ness Institute. With her interest The two natural science in Communication, she expressed requirements are only achieved how it is difficult to fully enjoy her by taking specified lab courses, for major when she has to make sure which each student must attend a certain required courses fit in her three-hour lab once a week. Even course load as well. if someone were an English major, “An essential aspect of a they would still have to take time Liberal Arts education is being out of their schedule to factor in well rounded, and I believe some the difficult lab requirement. required courses such as Ethics are On the flip side, history reasonable,” Fallon said. “Howevand English courses are also reer, CLAS is so broad that many of quired, even for Chemistry majors. the requirements have very little There is nothing wrong with the relevance to an arts major like diverse experiences CLAS students myself.” uniquely achieve through these She specified that certain

courses do not pertain to her academic or professional interests, serving as more of an inconvenience than a benefit in her class schedule.

“Personally, science is not my forte, and it is frustrating that I am required to take two science courses while I could be taking classes that count towards my major and that I am genuinely interested in,” Fallon said.

“I don’t know why students are required to pay for classes that hold no significance to their major/interests.”

Many students express this same type of dilemma while selecting courses and planning for upcoming semesters. This often results in taking courses that “double up” in core attributes.

Unless students find a way to hack the system and find certain classes that count for their diversity, equity and inclusion and their fine arts requirements, for instance, then it will be extremely difficult for them to find manageable times to add the required courses for their majors into their schedules.

If multiple-attribute DEI courses are taken just to fulfill certain credits rather than taken as a tool to increase worldly knowledge and awareness, their meaningfulness decreases and they are seen

as a burden rather than a positive opportunity.

On that note, I find it overwhelmingly important and positive that DEI courses are required for CLAS students. However, why are CLAS students the only students in the school required to take these courses?

Although students in the Business, Engineering and Nursing schools have enough requirements as it is, there is a reason that these students chose this liberal arts university that boasts a diverse, holistic curriculum.

Especially in fields like business, engineering and nursing, the ideas discussed in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion classes are more relevant than ever.

Even implementing the requirement of just one DEI course could be beneficial for these students and could help emphasize Villanova’s core values of Veritas, Unitas and Caritas.

Making core requirements like DEI more standardized across the colleges and reassessing the CLAS core curriculum in particular to better suit students’ interests would greatly benefit Villanova students. Required classes in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and across the University should serve to enrich, not to burden.

Mind Your March Madness Bracket Etiquette Zoë Kim Staff Writer Needless to say, it’s March, a promised land for the Villanova Wildcats—31 days of buzzer-beaters, unexpected upsets and school spirit. The past four months have been a roller coaster of wins and losses, but the ‘Cats are reaching their final destination.

Sophomore Joe O’Regan eagerly awaited Villanova’s firstround game against Delaware.

“March is the best time of year to be a Villanova student,” O’Regan said.

“People are smiling, dreaded cold weather fades away, and the flowers start to bloom. It also gives us an excuse to watch basketball for hours on end and fill out the perfect bracket. It creates just an incredible atmosphere that I’m lucky enough to be a part of.”

O’Regan is not the only one. Hundreds of students on campus counted down the days until the first game. On top of the games themselves, though, there would be no March Madness without the brackets.

Villanovans love our brackets. And who doesn’t? The bracket is a piece of art for basketball fanatics. With the bracket, people predict the outcomes of all 67 games in the tournament and the winning and losing teams. Hours are dedicated to pondering which team will win it all. Gonzaga? Auburn? Or our very own Villanova Wildcats?

The bracket’s appeal is the uncertainty and chance that come along with it. There is no way for

As March Madness ramps up, so are student bracket competitions.

Courtesy of Olivia Pasquale/Villanovan Photography

people to accurately predict the winning teams for all 67 games, but it brings more excitement when watching.

“I’m super competitive, so I love comparing brackets with family and friends,” sophomore Kendall Fragetta said.

“It really makes the games more exciting to watch. They’re one of the best parts of the game.”

The odds of having the perfect winning bracket are one in 9.2 quintillion, but who’s to say that one won’t be you? Some turn to the elegance of numbers, but there is no way to account for luck and chance.

Others turn to trends. If, for example, one goes by school

colors, it is best to turn to the blue end of the color wheel. Only once in the past 10 years has the winner not had a shade of blue in its colors.

I believe that well-curated brackets have first-seeds in the Elite Eight, a handful of upsets and the Wildcats in the Final Four.

By now, brackets have already been busted with no perfect bracket left in all of America. But here is some etiquette going forward for March Madness brackets: First things first: get ready for the upsets. By the Sweet Sixteen, not all the teams are the first, second, third or fourth seeds. Upsets are necessary in a successful bracket.

Consider the Cinderella

Team, the 12th seed team which always beats the fifth, sixth or eighth seed. You have to pick at least one 12-over-5 first-round upset. In the past 31 years, at least one 12-seed team pulled an upset against a five-seed team during the tournament. In the past 13 years, at least two 12-seed teams pulled off an upset.

This year, it was 12-seed New Mexico State that beat UConn by seven points. Call it chance or the championship effort of the underdog, but it happens year after year.

Secondly, it’s important to listen to your gut. Your bracket is your own. Just because Clark Kellog and Seth Davis tell you Gonzaga and Arizona will be in the final two does not mean you have to agree. You can have your own opinions and root for your own team. Trust yourself and put down teams you are confident in.

To save the most important piece of bracket etiquette for last, know that rooting for any team other than Villanova is a heresy.

Hopefully, the Villanova Wildcats are winning it all in your brackets.

There is no school with more spirit and love for its basketball team than Villanova. Don’t root for Gonzaga because they’re favored, and don’t cheer on Tennessee because a relative went there. Have pride in your school and its players.

March brings out the drive, talent and will of basketball teams across the country, but it also brings out the most competitive sides of people. Hopefully, this year you might finally create the perfect bracket.

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

CULTURE

8 | The Villanovan

CULTURE

TEDxVillanova Prepares For April Conference

Emma Cahill Staff Writer

As a subsect of the TED talk series, TEDx brings the spirit of sharing ideas to local communities through its independently organized events. Here at Villanova, these conferences are a part of TEDxVillanovaU. This organization is dedicated to providing a way for the local Villanova community to spread ideas and stories. TEDxVillanovaU raises discussions that bring our campus together and embodies the value of community.

This spring, TEDxVillanovaU is hosting an event in April, which all of the members of the organization are working hard to prepare for.

Junior Dexter Fernandez is president of TEDxVillanovaU. He reflected on his participation in TEDxVillanovaU, describing the organization’s purpose and its importance to the local Villano va community.

“TEDxVillanovaU is an on-campus organization that provides a platform to Villanova students, faculty, staff and alumni to share their stories and perspectives with the greater Villanova community and beyond,” Fernandez said. “Our mission is to share ideas worth spreading, spark necessary conversations and ignite positive change on and off campus.”

Additionally, Fernandez high-

The Annual TEDx conference wants to spread ideas and provoke thought.

Courtesy of @tedxvillanovau

lighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in this organization. He touched upon the mission of TEDxVillanovaU, particularly in the spirit of lifting up marginalized voices.

“We strive to be an inclusive and diverse organization as we empower the valuable voices of those who may not normally be heard on campus and work alongside other organizations on campus to shape what it means to be a Villanovan,” Fernandez said.

With each TEDxVillanovaU event, there are many speakers who share their stories and experiences with audience members. These speakers touch on a variety of topics and represent the spirit of diversity

Fernandez stressed the importance of. Fernandez discussed the role of speakers in the TEDxVillanovaU organization and what their role is in the organization’s conferences.

“Our speakers each tell a different story about who they are, what they believe in and where they come from,” Fernandez said. “We are not trying to find one speaker with one story, but speakers from different communities within Villanova.”

For its upcoming event, TEDxVillanovaU is hosting a conference on April 10. Fernandez discussed who will be speaking at the conference and what topics will be discussed.

In describing the event, Fernandez reflected on the diversity

of the topics discussed, once again showing this organization’s dedication to sharing different perspectives.

“Our speakers will consist of Villanova students, professors and alumni,” Fernandez said. “A wide variety of topics will be discussed ranging from DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) on campus, the power of mentorship and the nature of our Creator.”

Fernandez also highlighted some of the more whimsical aspects of the event, sharing some of the participants in the event who will give the conference a fun twist.

“Our event will also have dance performers and a magician,” Fernandez said.

In order to put together this TEDx conference, the members of TEDxVillanovaU have worked hard to put together the speakers, discussion topics and more into creating this conference. Fernandez expresses not only his appreciation for his team members, but also his enthusiasm for the upcoming event.

“We are very excited for our event, and our team members are putting tremendous efforts into making it a success,” Fernandez said.

The TEDxVillanovaU event will be very successful, in large part due to the efforts of Fernandez and his fellow team members.

Second Literary Festival Guest Speaker: Emma Dabiri Elena Rouse Co-Culture Editor

Emma Dabiri, renowned Irish author, broadcaster and activist influencer, took the stage as the second guest for the English Department’s Annual Literary Festival.

The event took place on March 15 in the President’s Lounge of the Connelly Center. The literary event partnered with the Department for Irish Studies for a conglomeration of academic attendees. The evening was filled with traditional Irish music, drinks, snacks and a medley of folk both student and faculty alike.

Dabiri is the 2022 Charles A. Heimbold Jr. Chair of Irish Studies, a prestigious role.

According to Villanova’s Irish Studies website, “The Charles A. Heimbold, Jr. Chair of Irish Studies is held in the Spring semester of each academic year by a distinguished Irish writer. Inaugurated in 2000, it has become one of the most prestigious Irish Studies positions in the United States.”

Alongside that position, she teaches two courses at Villanova titled “Creative Non-Fiction for Change” and “Green and Black: Irish and Africana Literature and Culture.”

Her work expands across a

multitude of communication platforms. So far, she has two published novels, “Twisted” and “What White People Can Do Next.” The former is an enriching dive into the history of Black hair culture, intertwined with Dabiri’s own journey with her hair as a young Irish person of color. “What White People Can Do Next” is a revolutionary look at race and meaningful paths for the future. Dabiri is also a respected BBC contributor via radio, YouTube and television.

If that were not enough, her written work is published in a multitude of journals and anthologies, and she even received the Cannes Lion Silver Award for her Channel 4 documentary “Hair Power: Me and My Afro.”

As for her future endeavors, Dabiri is soon to study Gaelic in Ireland, as well as create her own production company to help represent marginalized voices.

Dabiri currently teaches her two courses at Villanova, but the Literary Festival gave everyone a chance to hear from Dabiri herself.

“It was so great to hear Dabiri speak,” junior Jessica Laino said.

“Especially in the context of the Irish Studies department.”

Dabiri read sections from both novels, interjecting commentary throughout. Her research and ideas

Dabiri spoke from both her novels at the Literary Festival.

Courtesy of Jessica Laino

about race and Black culture are thought provoking and undeniably captivating. Everyone in the room held onto her words.

“It was really interesting hearing all of Dabiri’s words that she read,” attendee Meghan Edwards said. “It definitely changed a lot of my thinking about the importance of Black hair culture, and it was inspiring to hear her take on issues that aren’t talked about enough.”

Dabiri is the second speaker out of four set to speak in the Annual Literary Festival. The festival interacts with the English course “Authors On and Off the Page,” where students read work of respective authors before they come to the classroom for question and answer sessions.

The next speaker, poet Camille Dungy, is set to speak on March 29 at 7 p.m. in the Falvey Speaker’s Corner. All are welcome.

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

The Villanovan | 9

CULTURE

Kappa Delta Hosts Annual Shamrock Tournament

smoothly,” Sweeney said. “The general consensus was that people had a lot of fun, and we were able to raise money for a great cause, which is what we want to hear.”

Kappa Delta supports Girl Scouts and Prevent Child Abuse America as a part of its philanthropy, and the proceeds from the Shamrock event specifically go to PCAA. “Shamrock is a great way for our community of Kappa Deltas to connect to help such a great cause,” Kappa Delta member Tara Ford said.

Emily Schoonover Staff Writer This past Friday, Villanova’s chapter of Kappa Delta held its yearly Shamrock Philanthropy event, a cornhole tournament on the campus green where money is raised for Prevent Child Abuse America, or PCAA. All members of the Villanova community were invited to form teams with three other people and compete in this outdoor tournament.

Leading up to the event, tickets were sold outside of Café Nova, and the event was advertised through posters and on social media. Additionally, many people bought their tickets for the event through friends in Kappa Delta.

“Selling tickets outside of Café Nova was a great way to advertise the event and connect with my sisters,” said new member of Kappa Delta Hannah Sweeney. “It was also a great way for me to get my friends who are not in my sorority involved with my sorority, which was exciting.”

Members of Kappa Delta were able to gather a large percentage of the Villanova community, as there were over 100 teams formed for the cornhole tournament, and many people came just to spectate. The con-

“Most of our proceeds go to childabuse prevention organizations in this area, and I really appreciate the Members of Kappa Delta hosted their Shamrock cornhole tournament. ability to help the community with my Courtesy of @kdvillanova Instagram sorority.”

Along with the Shamrock involved.” ditions for an outdoor philanthropy cornhole tournament, Kappa DelLast year, with the restricevent could not have been more ideal, ta celebrates Women’s Friendship as it was 70 degrees and sunny, which tions of the pandemic, Kappa Delta Month all throughout September was able to put on this event but had attracted more Villanova community and supports women’s empowerment members to enjoy the outdoors while to adhere to rules regarding social supporting Kappa Delta’s philanthro- distancing and masks to help maintain in many ways. Additionally, twice the safety of the Villanova communi- each semester, local Girl Scout troops py. Additionally, there was a lot of are invited to campus by the Kappa ty. However, this year, the event was support from other Greek organizaDeltas where the sorority members able to be held as normal with no tions on campus. inspire them to continue dreaming restrictions. There was music playing “I am more than happy to out of speakers, and people were able and become the best versions of attend Kappa Delta’s philanthropy themselves. to hang out with their friends while event to support such a good cause,” To see more about the ShamDelta Gamma member Kristina Coo- they waited for their turn to play rock event or learn more about Kapwithout the restrictions of masks and per said. “I really value supporting pa Delta’s philanthropy, check out @ distancing. other sororities and their philanthrokdvillanova on Instagram.

“The event went really pies, and think it is a great way to stay

Supernovas Make ICCA Semifinals

performance, combining sight and sound to wow the audience. The SuKai da Luz pernovas then began to practice their Staff Writer vocals and choreography, continuing to make small adjustments and tweaks with rehearsal after rehearsal.

March Madness is here, and “The fall was pretty moderwith it, the spirit of collegiate comately paced, but we started getting petition is at an all-time high. The super serious right as the second “madness” doesn’t stop with college semester started,” freshman member basketball. This upcoming Saturday, Bridget Duffy said. “We spent about March 26, the Supernovas, a coed 25 hours at bootcamp learning music a cappella group at Villanova, will and choreo every weekend for the be performing at The Grand Opera first few weekends back on campus. It House in Wilmington, DE to compete in the Semifinals of the Interna- was a lot of hard work, but we made tional Championship of Collegiate A so many great memories. It was truly a bonding experience.”

Cappella (ICCA).

With auditions happening on Popularized in the first “Pitch Sept. 10 and callbacks the following Perfect” movie, the ICCAs are the day, there was a quick turnaround for big leagues of collegiate a cappelthese members to begin rehearsing la. According to varsityvocals.com, with the rest of the group.

ICCA and ICHSA (the high school “Jumping right in was crazy, equivalent) are the “only global tournaments that showcase the art of just as it is for all the groups, because we had very little time to put tostudent a cappella.” gether our performance for parents Groups prepare three songs weekend since it was only a week and a storyline for the competition, after new members joined,” Duffy but they are permitted a degree of said. “Competing in quarterfinals creative liberty and can take their was absolutely exhilarating, and I’m performances in whatever direction they desire, as long as they keep them so excited to take the stage with this talented group again at semifinals.” under 10 minutes.

Each member plays an inteThis is the fourth time the Supernovas have qualified for the semi- gral part in the ICCA arrangement because there are no specific voice finals of the ICCAs, as they reached parts, but rather lines individualized the semis in 2017, 2020 and 2021.

In 2020 the semifinals were canceled for each member’s strengths.

“I usually start arranging due to the pandemic, and the 2021 for ICCAs in October, so I’ve had a competition was virtual, though the few months to get to know the new group still managed to place second members’ voices, and I try to use runner-up. As such, this year’s comeveryone’s voice to the advantage of petition is highly anticipated. the group,” said junior Madeline WuThe Supernovas began jek, who is the music director for the preparing for this year’s competition Supernovas. “For example, if I know back in September. The Supernovas someone is a powerhouse belter, I have an ICCA committee that helps make sure they have a lot of powerful to organize and plan the group’s moments, or if I know someone has strategy and handle logistics. They really precise pitch control, I’ll give had to pick a set to prepare for the them a lot of moving parts.” competition and choreograph their

The Supernovas placed second at the ICCA quarterfinals.

Courtesy of @vusupernovas/Instagram

As music director, Wujek has spent countless hours putting the pieces together for the performance.

Over the years, she has developed many unique strategies in her arranging that add to the magic of the group.

“Another thing I do a lot with ICCA arrangements is write little background parts within the songs that match up with the lines of other members,” Wujek said. “I think of these almost like puzzle pieces, and it makes the arrangements so much more intricate and so fun to sing together.”

Rehearsals continue to be a rigorous, yet rewarding, process, with some unique challenges along the way that had to be overcome.

“One of the challenges we came across this year was having to relearn to create and teach for our ICCA performance after a year without it and with many members being first-timers,” senior president Emily Cavanaugh said.

“The theme of our set this year is mental health and the concept of internal conflict,” Wujek said.

“This is something that

means a lot to us as a group, and we formed our set around feelings of fear and loneliness that eventually are met with the comfort of knowing you’re not alone.”

The set they prepared for ICCAs is called “Delirium,” and they hope that everyone can find their meaning in it.

“My favorite line in the whole set, ‘Through the light and through the shadow,’ is one we all sing together at the highest point of the last song, all holding hands,” Wujek said.

“I think this is the most powerful moment both for audience members and for us as a group.”

Not only did they place second, but they brought home three out of the four awards given at this stage of the event. The three awards were Outstanding Arrangement, awarded to music director Wujek, Outstanding Choreography, awarded to president Cavanaugh and Outstanding Vocal Percussion, awarded to Ryan Hartnett.

In the semifinals, the Supernovas will compete against nine other quarter finals winners for a chance to move onto the finals.

10 | The Villanovan

CULTURE

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Augustinians of Villanova: Father Rob Hagan Olivia Sabalaskey Staff Writer “As an Augustinian, I take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience,” said Rev. Rob Hagan, O.S.A. “I don’t have any kids. In a lot of ways, I feel that these students are my kids. I love to celebrate the high moments, but I am there with them in the low moments as well.”

This week, Fr. Rob offers Villanovans a glimpse into his life as an Augustinian at Villanova University in the Augustinians of Villanova Column.

Given that Fr. Rob grew up a devout Catholic, he was drawn to Villanova’s Augustinian values.

He chose to attend Villanova as an undergraduate, and he met many Augustinians like Rev. Bill Atkinson, O.S.A., the first quadriplegic Augustinian priest in the Catholic Church, who is now being considered for canonization.

“I was so inspired by Fr. Bill,” Fr. Rob said. “He had so many reasons to complain, but he chose to live with joy every day.”

After graduating from Villanova with a B.A. in English, Fr. Rob pursued his passion for law by earning a J.D. from Widener University.

He then spent seven years as Criminal Defense Counsel. One night, Fr. Rob returned home from a successful day of work and watched “Jeopardy!” One of the contestants chose the category Quotable Quotes, and Alex Trebek revealed one of St. Augustine’s quotes. Immediately, Fr. Rob knew that God was calling him, so he told the law firm that he was going to work for God. Six years later, he was ordained an Augustinian priest, and Rev. Edmund Dobbin, O.S.A., placed him in Athletics Compliance at Villanova given his experience in law and administration.

As the Senior Associate Athletic Director, Fr. Rob works in Student-Athlete Welfare. He oversees the Sports Medicine and Strength & Conditioning departments, and he serves as an administrator for DEI and the UNITAS initiative to help student athletes who may feel marginalized on campus.

Fr. Rob presides at Mass on Campus, and he serves as the Team Chaplain for Villanova’s men’s basketball and football programs.

“I introduce them to St. Augustine, who was a sinner before a saint,” Fr. Rob said. “He tried a lot of things that we all have tried: power, ambition, success and money.

But what Augustine came to realize is what most of us come to realize: none of it satisfies us the way we

Rev. Rob Hagan, pictured here in 2015, serves as the Team Chaplain for Villanova’s men’s basketball and football programs.

Courtesy of Sam Hodgson / The New York Times

think it would. Sometimes chasing all of those things is like drinking salt water. The more you drink it, the thirstier it makes you.”

Fr. Rob affirms that nothing else will properly fill the hole in one’s heart other than a strong connection with God. “A calling can be a subtle whisper in your heart,” Fr. Rob said.

“Like the wind, it tends to blow you in a certain direction. I don’t believe in coincidences. I think God’s Divine Providence is behind everything.”

Fr. Rob never takes his job for granted, and he ensures that in all of the athletic decisions in which he participates, the Villanova-Augustinian mission is at the forefront.

For example, Fr. Rob works closely with Mark Jackson, the Vice President and Director of Athletics, in fundraising, communications, and management of athletic facilities.

“When we hire coaches and staff, we make sure that they aren’t just people that can help win games, but people who will be ambassadors for Villanova and represent what we think is important to represent,” Fr. Rob said.

Given the staggering amount of pressure that student athletes face, Fr. Rob counsels them by listening, lending a helping hand and voicing comfort.

“I try not to be another teacher or coach giving them an assignment, but someone who can help listen to their inner voice, en-

couraging them amidst the noise,” he said. “I’ve been with teams that have had incredible success, who have won national championships.

I’ve also been with teams that haven’t won, but are no less successful in terms of their dedication, commitment, and scholarship.”

Coach Jay Wright of the men’s basketball team attested to Fr. Rob’s invaluable service to the team in an interview published in Volume VI of The Augustinian.

“I think every player and every member of our staff will tell you Fr. Rob is one of the greatest men any of us have in our lives,” Wright said. “He has been an integral part of the program and also of my life.

I count on him as a dear friend.

Our whole team and staff attend a prayer service before every game. It starts with Fr. Rob doing a reading from the Bible, and then he does a homily. He’s never talking about the game. He’s talking about life. And what kind of men we are and what kind of Christians we are. I always joke with Fr. Rob, ‘Don’t make us cry before the game.’”

Since Villanova is renowned for its many sports, competition is a hot topic. However, Fr. Rob explains the difference between cutthroat competition and a passion for competition.

“Each of us strengthens all of us,” Fr. Rob said. “Whether you are a player scoring all of the points, or you are a manager who does the

laundry, everybody has the same value. It is never just about the sport.

When you have a team that lives those higher values, you don’t have to be overly concerned about the score or who’s playing the most minutes. That stuff takes care of itself.”

Fr. Rob is grateful to be able to participate in the Villanova community that instills a strong desire to serve others.

“To come on a Friday or Saturday in May to watch all of our kids graduate gives me such a sense of pride and joy in my life,” Fr. Rob said.

Fr. Rob fondly remembers the moment that Randy Foye, former Villanova basketball player who graduated in 2006, called him to catch up and asked Fr. Rob to marry Foye and his fiancé, now wife.

When asked about a favorite memory, Fr. Rob reminisced about the moments a player would come into his office to vent after a trying game. He treasures the strong trust he has built with the student athletes.

Always ready to contribute more, Fr. Rob was recently elected to serve as the Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova for a four-year term starting this June.

“I look forward to the opportunity to walk with my brothers in this role as we try to discern how best to serve God’s people,” Fr. Rob said.

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

The Villanovan | 11

CULTURE

“Villanova On Set” Program Is Underway Elena Rouse Co-Culture Editor Lights. Camera. Action.

Last Monday marked the start of the University’s annual “Villanova on Set” program, where a select group of students gets a firsthand look at the grit and glamor of working in Hollywood.

Normally, the program takes place over the week of spring break, when students fly out to Los Angeles, spending morning to night visiting various sets, talking with different professionals in the field and reflecting on their experiences. The program works closely with Disney and NBCUniversal studios but visits an assortment of places, including, but not limited to, YouTube Studios, Showtime, Hulu and Panavision. Panavision, a company that makes cameras, has formed a relationship with the school and now donates a high-quality camera to the media program each year.

There is also usually a reception, where past students come to speak to the current cohort and answer any questions about entertainment.

This year, the program could not run as usual, due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, selected students were still granted the opportunity to participate in an online version of the program.

Instead of a week-long intensive program, various Zoom sessions are taking place over the course of March and April, where students will still be able to meet with vari-

ous entertainment workers.

The program was founded and is led by faculty member and alumnus Dr. Hezekiah Lewis III, an award-winning writer, director and filmmaker who also heads the renowned social documentary course each year.

Lewis created the program with the idea of connecting students to the multitude of Villanova graduates who worked in the entertainment industry.

“Villanova has a roster of people who are in really prominent places,” Lewis said. “And [we] just went to these locations and saw how warm they were to invite us to be on their sets and how much time they wanted to give us.”

Lewis, a California native and UCLA film school graduate, has connections of his own as well.

With both Villanovans and Lewis’s connections altogether, Lewis saw a future for this immersion experience.

“Let’s try to create something that’s immersive, but also personal,” Lewis said, describing the vision for the program. “It’s good to understand the information about a business, but what about the people that run that business, or the people that are the driving force of those businesses and how do they get there? What is their story?”

The key component to the program’s success, Lewis noted, is the continued involvement of Jerry DiCanio. DiCanio is the Executive VP, Production Operations at NBCUniversal, as well as a Villanova graduate.

“Jerry DiCanio is the foundation of it all,” Lewis said. “If it’s not with him, there’s no “Villanova on Set” at all. We meet with him every single day.”

Lewis explained further just how DiCanio’s passion for Villanova students in the program makes the program so special. During the week of the program, DiCanio starts the day with students, giving them breakfast and asking who they want to hear from.

“If you want to hear from somebody that’s a showrunner in comedy, okay, I’ll get that for you tomorrow,” Lewis said, explaining how DiCanio works with students.

“If you want to hear from somebody that’s a showrunner in drama, I’ll get that for you tomorrow. One person asked about diversity initiatives, and he brought the diversity person in the next day…It really comes off the interest of the students. That’s what great about Jerry because he’s such a key figure in that organization and he’s able to get anybody at the drop of the dime.”

Although this year’s setup will not grant the same opportunity for meet ups as Lewis described, DiCanio is still pulling for students.

At the opening session, DiCanio not only answered questions himself, but also brought in NBCUniversal’s Head of Drama and Comedy, the head of UTV, the Head of Casting and the Head of Drama Development to speak to students.

As for some of the other guests for this year, students also had an in-person event with composer Joe Trapanese, who has cre-

ated scores for projects like “The Greatest Showman,” Netflix’s “Shadow and Bone” and “The Witcher.”

Lewis is also hopeful that some people such as Mike Askins, HBO producer of “Mare of Easttown” and Brad Ingelsby, another creator of the show and a Villanova graduate, will do a panel, as well as a plethora of other entertainment individuals.

Lewis truly believes in the program and sees how this opportunity plays out for students.

“I see the pipeline working,” he said. “I see these students actually getting jobs, and these are the students taking advantage of these opportunities.”

Though the entertainment industry is notoriously difficult, Lewis trusts in the process, relaying words of advice for anyone interested in pursuing work in the field.

“The biggest thing is to be passionate, hold yourself accountable and just be responsible,” he said. “It doesn’t matter that you don’t know the technical aspects of it all. I mean, I can teach a monkey how to hold a camera. I can’t teach him how to be passionate.

You have to be passionate. You have to understand it’s a grind.”

And all in all, “Just be ready.”

Whether in front of the camera or behind, these students are very ready, and the “Villanova on Set” program’s glimpse into Hollywood is just what is needed for them to hit the ground running.

University Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day on Campus Maddie Schieder Staff Writer Green clothing swarmed Villanova’s campus this past Thursday as the community celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. Whether students annually celebrate or not, Villanovans got in the spirit this year both on and off campus. On Thursday, there were free Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, food trucks and a St. Patty’s Day themed cookie station as part of the St. Patrick’s Day carnival and arcade games on the campus green. On Friday, Kappa Delta held a Shamrock Cornhole tournament as well. To close out campus celebrations on Friday evening, fire pits and food trucks were enjoyed on the campus green with live Irish music.

In the city of Philadelphia, students enjoyed hopping around the city in their St. Patrick’s Day decor this past Saturday for an array of activities. On March 13, Philadelphia hosted the second oldest parade in the country, the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day parade, behind New York City.

Other than the celebrations off campus and downtown, students were able to share their family traditions as well.

Junior Olivia Sabalaskey, a Chicago native, shared that she grew up drinking Green River, a Chicago soda pop, and eating

was also recognized on Channel 6 ABC news for the first public display of a rare 15th-century Irish chalice.

The chalice is part of the University’s “Thirst for Divine” gallery in the Connelly Center, which opened on Mar. 9 and will run until Apr. 20. It was also used in a mass celebrated by University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD at St. Thomas of Villanova Church on Mar. 20.

Joseph Lennon, director of Irish Studies at Villanova, spoke to ABC about the chalice and Villanova University’s Irish heritage.

“To be Catholic in Ireland at this time was very difficult,” Lennon said. “This is an amazing object. A chalice from 1480. Villanova is the first place to publicly display the chalice.”

Lennon explained that Irish people have always flocked to Philadelphia, with nearly two This month, the University has been displaying a 15th-century Irish chalice at the Connelly Center. million people in the state claimCourtesy of ABC6 ing Irish ancestry. Home to the Irish soda bread. She would also shades of green or celebrating “Friendly Sons of St. Patrick” that visit the green river and watch the Irish heritage. began in 1771, Philadelphia has parade.

Senior Charles Gilroy always been an Irish city. ImmiJunior James Vizza shared also celebrated in the leprechaun grants from Ireland would come his family traditions, including genre. His mom used to cut sham- off of a boat into Philadelphia, homemade leprechaun trap projrocks out of green paper and lay welcomed by the Friendly Sons ects, wearing green and making them around the house, along with and Daughters of St. Patrick.

Shepherd’s pie. He also usually dropping chocolate coins for them Although present-day Philattends his local parish’s St. Patto collect when they woke up. Also adelphia knows how to celebrate rick’s Day Mass and parades. a Chicago native, his family would in other ways, the city’s Irish herTraditions are always nosmake Irish soda bread and still itage must also be acknowledged, talgic, whether it be making green does each St. Patrick’s Day. along with the Irish artifact Villaeggs and ham, wearing different This holiday, Villanova novans pass on campus each day.

12| The Villanovan

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

SPORTS

SPORTS

The Sweet (16) Life

Colin Beazley Co-Editor-In-Chief continued from p. 1 its two tournament wins by its captains, as Gillespie scored 14 points against Delaware and 20 against the Buckeyes, while fellow graduate, forward Jermaine Samuels, scored 15 against the Blue Hens and 17 against Ohio State. However, it was a team effort in both games, as five Wildcats scored in double figures against Delaware and four did so against Ohio State.

Michigan advanced to the second weekend despite being the lower-seeded team in both of its two matchups. The Wolverines (19-14, 11-9 Big Ten), who many expected to miss the tournament entirely, defeated No.6 Colorado State in the first round, 75-63, before upsetting No.3 Tennessee, 76-68.

Michigan needed a furious comeback to defeat the Rams, as the Wolverines trailed by as many as 15 in the game. Center Hunter Dickinson, a 7’1” sophomore, scored 21 in the game, before upping his performance to lead the Wolverines past the Volunteers in the second game with 27 points and 11 rebounds.

“Making it to the Sweet 16 is, as literal as it is, sweet because nobody believed in us,” Dickinson said after the Tennessee win. “Everybody thought we shouldn’t be in the tournament and now people that were hating on us are going home and about to watch us next week.”

Dickinson is Michigan’s biggest threat, as the center averaged 18.7 points per game throughout the season. Dickinson, an Alexandria, Virginia native, attended DeMatha Catholic High School, the same school as Villanova junior guard Justin Moore. In 2019, Moore’s senior season and Dickinson’s junior year, the pair were named to the All-Washington Catholic Athletic Conference First Team, leading DeMatha to its first league title since 2011.

The Wolverines were ranked in the Top 5 to open the season, but struggled in early season play. Michigan lost in November to Seton Hall, 67-65, before losing 80-61 to Arizona a week later. Michigan ended Big Ten play and the regular season on a 4-5 stretch, failing to win two in a row in that span, before now winning two straight to open the tournament.

Dickinson is the clear top option in the Wolverine offense, as graduate guard Eli Brooks, the team’s second leading scorer, averages 12.8 points per game. Senior guard DeVante’ Jones and freshman forward Caleb Houstan also average double figures. Dickinson leads the team in rebounds, averaging 8.4 per game, while Jones leads in assists with 4.6 per game.

Michigan and Villanova have similarities, as both teams entered the season with Final Four aspirations.

Gillespie and Brooks briefly guarded each other in the National Championship in 2018, and both chose to return and use their fifth years of eligibility to try to reach the national

title game again. Also, per KenPom, both teams have short rotations, as the Wolverines rank 316th in the country in bench minutes, while the Wildcats rank 318th.

However, there are major differences in the teams. Starting with Dickinson, Michigan is significantly bigger than the Wildcats, as Villanova’s 6’8” redshirt sophomore forward Eric Dixon will likely match up with Michigan’s 7’1” Dickinson or 6’11” freshman forward Moussa Diabate, who averages 9.1 points in 25 minutes per game.

However, the Wildcats do have one major advantage: their experience. Gillespie and Samuels have played on college basketball’s biggest stage, forward Brandon Slater and guard Caleb Daniels are both seniors,

Moore is a junior, and other than Dixon and potentially freshman guard Jordan Longino (if healthy), every contributing Wildcat is an upperclassman. In contrast, three of the five players who played 28 or more minutes in Michigan’s win over Tennessee were freshmen.

The winner of Thursday’s game will advance to take on the winner of the game immediately following Michigan and Villanova’s matchup, featuring No.1 Arizona and No.5 Houston. Arizona earned the South’s region’s top seed with a 30-3 record in regular season play, winning the Pac-12 regular season and tournament titles. Houston boasts a 29-5 record, winning both the American Athletic Conference regular season and tournament.

Jermaine Samuels (above) scored 17 points in Villanova’s Round of 32 win over Ohio State Courtesy of Olivia Pasquale/Villanovan Photography

Women’s Track and Field Starts Outdoor Campaign Catherine Browne Staff Writer This weekend, Villanova’s women’s track and field opened its outdoor season at the Penn Challenge. After transitioning from the indoor season, where the team suffered a few unfortunate losses as some athletes struggled through injuries, head coach Gina Procaccio stated that “we were just looking to start the outdoor season with a bang.” That is exactly what the Wildcats accomplished, earning three first place finishes.

This meet marked the official transition from the indoor to outdoor season.

“After the indoor season, we took a little break, then [we] got back into some decent training,” Procaccio said. “[We] are looking to compete tough on tired legs [since] we are in the middle of a build-up training block.”

Opening this successful weekend, graduate student Sade Meeks carried her skills into the new season and earned first place in the shot put event, with a throw of 14.74 meters. Meeks’ name appears in the record books once again with this performance, becoming the third-longest outdoor throw in Villanova history. During her indoor season, she set the longest throw overall in school history, becoming the only athlete to throw more than

Anna Helwigh placed first in the 1500 meter with a time of 4:22.73.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

15 meters. On the school’s all-time top 10 marks in the shot put, Meeks’ throw this weekend is eighth in school history. Meeks also competed in the hammer throw and earned a mark of 52.20 meters, which landed her a spot in ninth place in Villanova’s all-time record book.

Similarly, senior teammate Emily Galvin competed in the hammer throw, also finishing in the top-three. She earned third place, with a mark of 52.36 meters, setting an all-time personal best and putting her seventh on the Wildcat’s top 10 marks list.

Galvin now holds the second place spot in the hammer throw in school history right behind record

holder Melinda Boykin, who threw a mark of 55.13 meters from her time competing in the 2001 season.

Meeks performance puts her in third place on the same list.

Speaking about Meeks’ and Galvin’s dual performance, Procaccio stated that “there is definitely a comfort when you have a teammate in your event.”

In the track events, junior Maggie Smith came in first place in the 800 meter event, with a time of 2:13.00.

Junior Anna Helwigh earned first place out of 16 competitors in the 1500 meters, with a time of 4:22.73. In the 1500 meter event, Villanova secured the top four

spots. Senior Lydia Olivere finished second in 4:22.73, junior Madison Martinez placed third in 4:30.08 and freshman Emma McGill finished fourth in 4:31.07. The Wildcats also placed sixth and seventh in the same event, with freshman Maya Dorer finishing in 4:32.51 and freshman Emily Robinson in 4:36.67.

Junior Jane Livingston competed in the 100 meter event and recorded a personal best of 12.12, finishing in fourth place. This moved her up to ninth place in school history. Senior Trinity Hart competed alongside Livingston, placing sixth, with a time of 12.28. Senior Jada Thomas finished seventh, with a time of 12.30. Thomas currently holds the 10th spot in school history, with her personal best of 12.17 from last season. Junior Alexis Martin also competed in this event and finished in 12th place, with a time of 12.72.

Procaccio said that this successful first outdoor meet “gave [the team] a lot of confidence to start off the season.”

Next weekend, the team heads to Raleigh Relays in North Carolina, with more than 100 different teams competing. “[The team has one meet] under their belt, they will be more rested for [the next] one, and it gives them the confidence they need to go out and compete against some of the best runners in the country,” Procaccio said.

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

The Villanovan | 13

SPORTS

Men’s Track and Field Opens Outdoor Season

Jacob Artz Staff Writer

The unseasonably warm, sunny day at Franklin Field was the backdrop for a few first place finishes and numerous personal bests in the throwing and running events in the men’s track and field’s first outdoor meet of the season at the Penn Challenge on Saturday afternoon.

The day was marked with many throws rewriting the Villanova history books, including graduate Riley LaRiviere, who threw for 55.45 meters in the hammer throw to finish fourth. This is the eighth longest hammer throw in Villanova history.

Junior Joe DiDario threw for a personal best of 59.52 meters in the javelin event, which put him in sixth place out of 18 competitors. DiDario was one of three Wildcats to finish in the top-10 for the javelin event with sophomore Andrew Grinnell slightly behind DiDario, with a throw of 59.12 meters, and sophomore Nick Coffey recording a throw of 57.67 meters, putting him in 10th place.

It is hard to find a group of throwers that can stick together and help each other improve, but the trio found this unity.

“Sometimes you only have one javelin thrower on the team,” head coach Marcus O’Sullivan said.

“They’ve got a whole group, which have allowed them to actually train during the wintertime, and stay together as a cohesive group. I’m expecting good Big East competition performances from them when we get to Big East (meets).”

Noah Swan Staff Writer

Joe DiDario (above) threw a personal best of 59.52 meters in the javelin.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Freshman thrower Tristan Bolinsky made his collegiate debut, finishing sixth out of 13 in the discus, with a throw of 47.53 meters, and seventh out of eight in the hammer throw, with a launch of 47.34 meters.

Bolinksy finds himself in ninth place on the Villanova performance list in the discus and is the third Wildcat thrower in that last three outdoor seasons to rank in the top 10 in the record book.

Bolinsky is a part of this throwing group that has high expectations. This meet was meant for the throwing group to explore and record some solid performances.

“It takes a couple more meets to kind of crystalize in terms of what we have,” O’Sullivan said.

In the running events, one of the solid performances came in the 400 meter hurdles. Sophomore Nicolas Mollica earned first place in the event, with a time of 54.26.

This is the second fastest time of his

collegiate career, behind his outdoor 400 meter hurdle time of 53.82, which was recorded last April at the Philadelphia Metropolitan Collegiate Invitational. “(Mollica) ran well yesterday,” O’Sullivan said. “He came home strong to win the race.”

Junior Mac Costonis placed fifth out of six in the 400 meter hurdles event, with a time of 56.48.

Costonis is still chasing the personal best he set last May at the Penn Twilight, where he ran a 56.01 in the same event.

In the 2000 meter steeplechase, junior Mathias Powell placed first, with a time of 5:57.70, which beat the second place finisher by almost seven seconds. Senior Patrick Spychalski ran a time of 6:08.92 in the 2000 meter steeplechase, putting him in third place in the three person event.

This was the first time Powell ran the 2000 meter steeplechase as a

collegiate runner, and the event was run so the runners could be in top shape for the 3000 meter steeplechase later in the season.

“I’m excited for Mathias,” O’Sullivan said. “It’s a new event for him. He’s actually very, very good.

He’s a very good technical steeplechaser. I’ve come to the conclusion that he is naturally good at it.”

Powell had a hard time finding his event, as he was struggling for his first three years with the flat events, but the 2000 steeplechase may be the one that he finds his niche in. Powell will have to contend with an extra kilometer in the normal 3000 meter steeplechase, but his strong finish in the 2000 meter steeplechase showed promise.

In the 1500 meters, senior Jack Fredian posted a personal best of 3:56.07. In the 400 meter race, sophomore Jakob Kunzer placed third, with a time of 49.27, and sophomore William Seijas registered a personal best, with a time of 52.01 in the 400 meters.

Coming up next for the Wildcats is the Texas Relays. Most of the track and field athletes competing next week will be in the sprinting areas and the throws, while the men’s distance will be off next week. Both meets extend from Thursday through Saturday, and, much like this weekend, the warmer weather in Texas should allow for improvement in all results, especially looking forward to qualifying for Regionals, and eventually NCAAs.

Men’s Tennis Falls to Lehigh, 5-2

In its return to court after 15 days off, the Villanova men’s tennis team lost against Lehigh, 5-2.

The Wildcats find themselves in a tough spot at this point in the season. However, there remain both positives and negatives from the match at the weekend.

To start, Villanova continues to be without sophomore Eitan Khromchenko due to an injury that has held him out of match play since early February. During his freshman year, Khromchenko tallied 10 singles wins on the season and began this spring at #3 in the singles lineup.

As a result of Khromchenko’s absence, Coach Brad Adams has tinkered with the lineup over the past matches. Following a dominant 6-1 win over Coppin State at the end of February, Villanova embarked on a road journey to California for four matches over five days. The lineups shifted throughout the gauntlet, with nine different players taking up different spots in the singles lineup.

“Unfortunately, Eitan has a wrist injury to his dominant hand,” Adams said. “There is a 50-50 chance he is going to be able to make an appearance the rest of the season.

Obviously, that’s a huge loss for us.”

While the Wildcats struggled against high-level opponents, the young team gained some needed experience against some of the best players it will see all season. Freshman Trey Fourticq, who has usually played at the #2 spot, faced off in

his first-ever match at the top of the lineup, a place he may soon take up in the coming seasons. Junior Will Gatti made his competitive season debut against UC Irvine, a player who may need to step up as a result of the team’s inconsistency.

Lehigh marked the team’s last non-conference opponent before Big East play. Sitting at 2-8 before Sunday’s match, the Wildcats entered the day needing to rediscover match form. While failing to pick up the win, Villanova emerged from the day with a few reasons to maintain optimism.

Adams’ squad managed to secure the doubles point on the day, a rare high point that deserves praise among the greater context of the doubles’ performance throughout the season. The Wildcats have picked up the doubles point only once during this season.

At times, a single doubles pairing has notched a win, but rarely has the team come together cohesively.

Against Lehigh, senior Matthew Jones and junior Justin Suarez secured the #2 doubles match, while the duo of sophomore Anthony Prokurat and Fourticq won their match at the #3 spot. The former pairing played its first-ever competitive match as a team, potentially indicating a fruitful partnership in the future. However, the composition of the doubles lineup is all but written in stone.

“I think it’s going to be fluid, accepting the fact that Eitan is probably not going to be coming back in the near future,” Adams said of the

Trey Fourticq (above) picked up a singles and doubles win on Sunday.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

doubles lineup. “We need to find guys that mesh together both with their rapport and also their games on the court.”

As is the structure of college tennis matches, the doubles point precedes the singles matches. Thus, there is a tone-setting significance to the doubles point that emphasizes its importance to the team. Although Villanova failed to take home the match overall, positive performances in these doubles teams present an encouraging sign as the team heads into the second half of the season.

While the singles matches let down the performance from the doubles teams, Fourticq found himself as the one highlight for the Wildcats.

Winning at the #3 spot in a third set tiebreak, Fourticq emerged as a victor in both singles and doubles on the day.

“In singles, I think he is still trying to find himself,” Adams said of Fourticq’s performance. “He is still

trying to find his game. I think he did a very good job bouncing back from a set down, playing a more aggressive style, taking time away from his opponent and controlling the point from the get-go. Even without wins, I think his confidence has grown each match.”

The talent is undeniable, as he has played high in the lineup all year, but the performance had yet to match the expectations. Adams had expressed some concerns about consistency in earlier matches, so winning tight matches like these provides the necessary experience to strengthen Fourticq’s performances going forward.

Villanova will hope to translate these positive takeaways into greater success next weekend against Xavier, a team that has won four of their last five matches and boasts a mix of youth and experience. The teams face off this Friday, March 25 at 1:30 p.m. in Cincinnati.

SPORTS

14 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Softball Splits Doubleheader with Delaware Aphrodite Dimopoulos Staff Writer

year.

Delaware’s pitcher Emily Winburn, 7-5 for the season with a 2.89 ERA, made the Wildcats work After a 24-hour delay due in the batter’s box. The Wildcats to inclement weather, Villanova started strong offensively in the softball took on the Delaware Blue first inning. Rauch walked on four Hens at home on Sunday afterpitches and Ally Jones followed noon. Villanova went 1-1 in the up with another walk. With two double header, winning its first outs in the inning, senior shortstop match, 2-0, and falling just short in Megan Kern hit a hard line drive game two, 3-1. through the left side for an RBI Senior pitcher Paige Rauch double. The hit reached the fence led the Wildcats defensively in and gave Villanova the early lead. game one, pitching a three-hit On the next pitch, sophomore shutout and keeping Delaware far right-fielder Tess Cites brought from home plate. Rauch, now 6-4 in Jones, bringing Villanova to its for the season with a 3.24 ERA, early 2-0 lead. didn’t falter through all six innings Villanova held control for and retired 12 of the final 13 batthe rest of the game as Rauch ters in Delaware’s lineup. allowed just one more base runSunday’s matchup was Rauch’s ner. Overall, the Wildcats earned second shoutout of the season and two runs on four hits while being 15th overall in her Villanova cawalked four times and striking out reer. Rauch’s success on the mound six times. The team headed into was greatly supported by her team- game two with another win in the mates in the field as they pulled books. together many impressive defensive While the team was not plays to keep Delaware at bay. able to pull together another win In the first inning, Delain Game 2, the Wildcats strung ware’s leadoff batter Hanna Gartogether some major hits and ber went to first on a walk but was kept the lead until late in the sixth caught stealing after a strikeout, inning. Starting off strong, Villaorchestrated by junior center-field- nova’s first inning brought about er Sydney Hayes. Hayes’ throw to a one-run lead that carried the the plate not only stopped Garber ‘Cats through until the very end. from scoring but also marked the Junior third baseman Chloe Smith fifth outfield assist of the season for and senior catcher Ryan Henry Hayes and the fourth runner she had two hits each throughout the has thrown out at the plate just this matchup.

Throughout the game, Villanova had opportunities to extend its lead. Hayes and Henry each had consecutive singles to start the second inning, but the remainder of Villanova’s lineup could not get a hit off of Graceyn Frost, Delaware’s freshman pitcher.

Again in the fourth inning, Henry and Hayes reached the bases but were left at second and third by the remainder of the offense. This got Frost on a roll, as she then retired the final 11 batters she encountered.

Defensively, the ‘Cats had a decent performance. In the early and middle innings, the Blue Hens were unable to score, mainly because of sophomore starting pitcher Caroline Pellicano and senior pitcher Sara Kennedy who came in in relief. Pellicano got the team out of a difficult situation with Delaware on base in the first inning and kept it up as the game advanced.

Kennedy caught a line drive bunt attempt in the fourth inning and later closed out the inning by stopping a hard one-hopper in front of the circle. While the game ended in a loss, Kennedy put on a strong performance throughout, giving up just five hits and not allowing any walks.

This week, the Wildcats will play at Princeton on Wednesday before getting ready to face Big East opponent St. John’s next weekend.

Baseball Goes 0-2-1 at Tulane Loghan Hirkey Staff Writer This past weekend, the Villanova baseball team had two losses, by margins of 3-1 and 12-2, and a 3-3 tie on the road against Tulane University.

Despite the loss, the first game on Friday, Mar. 18 had a promising start in the first inning. A fielding error took place on a base hit from Jack O’Reilly, allowing Chris Rotondo to advance to third and make his way across home plate to secure a 1-0 lead.

The Wildcats then went scoreless for the next eight innings while the Green Wave scored once in the fourth to tie it up and then twice more in the seventh to make the game 3-1. O’Reilly went 3-4, making him the only Wildcat to have a multihit day. Cole Patten pitched his second-longest outing of the season at seven and 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on eight hits. Cameron Mathes came in for relief in the eighth with one on and one out. He struck out the first batter but then gave up two walks before striking out the last batter to end the scoring for the Green Wave. Despite the strong pitching from Mathes, the Villanova offense could not string together enough offense to make the comeback.

On Saturday, Mar. 19, the Wildcats had several highlights despite suffering a 10-run loss. Rotondo was strong in the first three innings, scoring both runs. In the first, he led off the inning with a walk, eventually scoring on a two-out single. In the third, he cracked a 404-foot home run over the right-center field fence.

Rotondo, now batting .383 with

WEEKLY SCOREBOARD Mar. 16 - Mar. 22

Wednesday, March 16 Softball vs Towson 4-3 L (G1), 4-3 W (G2) Women’s Lacrosse @ Lafayette 16-9 W Thursday, March 17 Women’s Swim @ NCAA Championships No Team Scoring Friday, March 18 Men’s Basketball vs Delaware 80-60 W (NCAA Tournament) Women’s Swim @ NCAA Championships No Team Scoring Baseball @ Tulane 3-1 L Saturday, March 19 Men’s Track @ Penn Challenge No Team Scoring Women’s Track @ Penn Challenge No Tean Scoring Women’s Basketball vs BYU 61-57 W (NCAA Tournament) Baseball @ Tulane 12-2 L Women’s Water Polo @ Virginia Military Institute 19-14 W Women’s Water Polo vs No.14 Wagner College 22-7 L Men’s Lacrosse vs Drexel 15-12 W Women’s Swim @ NCAA Championships No Team Scoring

Chris Rotondo (above) is currently on a 15-game hitting streak.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

a 1.143 OPS through the first 16 games of the season, currently has a career-high 15-game hitting streak.

O’Reilly had a productive game as well, going 2-4 with a double and a first inning RBI to raise his average to .262.

However, despite Rotondo and O’Reilly’s efforts, the Wildcats trailed 2-1 at the end of the third inning and eventually 5-2 heading into the bottom of the fourth. The Green Wave then scored six runs in the bottom of the fourth to put the game out of reach. Tyler Arella was relieved in this inning by Chic DeGaetano after going a season-high three and 1/3 innings on 71 pitches.

The Green Wave scored one more run in the seventh to make the score 12-2. Pat O’Neill had a single for the Wildcats, and Joey Castellanos and AJ Hansen also had hits during the game.

The final game in the series on Sunday, Mar. 20 resulted in a tie.

The scoring didn’t begin until the second for both teams, when John

Whooley hit an RBI single to score O’Reilly and get the ‘Cats on the board. Will Reiner kept the momentum going later in the inning when he hit an RBI double and scored Whooley before the Green Wave answered in the bottom of the second with two runs of their own to tie the game.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Green Wave scored another run, making it 3-2. However, in the top of the seventh, Rotondo came to the rescue with a double, later scoring on an RBI single from Castellanos.

After nine and half innings, both teams remained scoreless, resulting in a 3-3 tie. Brandon Siegenthaler went four and 1/3 innings, allowing seven hits and three runs. Danny Wilkinson relieved him for three and 2/3 innings, and Mathes rounded out the game.

The Wildcats are back on the road this weekend against the University of Richmond, where Rotondo will look to continue his hot hitting streak and lead the Wildcats to a win.

Sunday, March 20 Women’s Tennis @ Drexel 5-2 W Men’s Tennis @ Lehigh 5-2 L Women’s Water Polo vs Iona 19-18 W (OT) Women’s Lacrosse vs No.10 Michigan 8-7 L (2OT) Softball vs Delaware 2-0 W (G1), 3-1 L (G2) Men’s Basketball vs Ohio State 71-61 W (NCAA Tournament) Monday, March 21 Women’s Basketball @ Michigan 64-49 L (NCAA Tournament) Tuesday, March 22 None

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

The Villanovan | 15

SPORTS

Women’s Tennis Earns First Win Over Drexel

singles match of the day, going 6-3, 6-4 to earn her team-best fifth singles victory of the season. Throughout her two seasons at Villanova after After a slow start that featured transferring from Navy in 2020, losses, injury and match cancellations, Klopfer has emerged as a star, shining the Villanova women’s tennis team week after week in the number one captured its first win of the season on position.

Sunday, Mar. 20, in a dominant 5-2 “She’s super competitive, and victory over Drexel.

I mean it in a good way,” Reiniger Although the Wildcats won said of Klopfer’s performance this five singles matches against the Drag- season. “She competes with class, ons when the teams last went head-to- but she always comes out and always head at the Villanova Invitational in performs well during matches. I think September, they struggled in doubles, the rest of the team kind of takes her winning only the final of three match- lead.” es. This weekend, when the teams Senior Emily Strande, the met again, the ‘Cats struck back. De- team’s usual number two player, is spite Drexel earning the third-seeded currently out with an injury. Brogan doubles win, senior Annalise Klopfer and junior Caitlin Fisher competed and freshman Emma Brogan counup a spot but were both defeated in tered with a 6-4 victory over the hard-fought No. 2 and 3 matches, Dragons’ first doubles pair. Freshman respectively. However, the ‘Cats were Valieriia Kornieva and senior Sabina not to be counted out. Key wins in Gregorian followed with another 6-4 the fourth, fifth and sixth-seeded win in the second slot to secure the matches clinched the team’s victory. doubles point for Villanova.

Kornieva earned her second “All three doubles combinawin of the day in a decisive 6-1, 6-1 tions were new, and we won the dou- match against Aida Garcia Mendez bles point, which was great because in the fifth slot, just before junior it helps give you momentum into the Amanda Rivera-Gonzalez held on singles,” head coach Steve Reiniger 6-1, 6-4 to defeat Drexel’s Pauline said. “That was the first time we’ve Kharkover in the sixth-seeded pairing. won the doubles point all year, and Sophomore Bella Steffen rounded out I think it helped. We’ve been workthe day by besting Corte Gonzalez in ing on doubles pretty consistently the fourth slot, 6-4, 6-4. throughout the last couple weeks, and This dominant win is a testait definitely showed up in the match ment to the hard work, growth and today.” adaptability of Villanova’s players Fired up from the team’s dou- over the course of the season, accordbles win, Klopfer made quick work ing to Reiniger. The ‘Cats hope to of her opponent in the top-seeded build on this momentum heading into Charlotte Ralston Staff Writer

Annalise Klopfer (above) won both her doubles and singles match in the victory.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

upcoming matches this week against Temple and Seton Hall.

“It’s just really to work off the way we played doubles today, to maintain or even improve on our performance today,” Reiniger said of the team’s focus for their next matches. “The shot selection was better, we’re a little bit more confident at net, we know where to go with the ball in certain situations, so I expect an equally as good performance at our next match as today.”

Although this week’s competitions will pose a challenge for the Wildcats, who fell to Temple in the Villanova Invitational in all but one match and have yet to play Seton Hall this season, they will have homecourt advantage for the first time this spring.

“Unlike certain sports where it’s more like the fan support that helps the team, in tennis, the court surface itself can change the speed of the court,” Reiniger said. “If you’re familiar with your own courts, it’s a little bit easier to play at home than on a different surface of a different speed.”

The ‘Cats will look to capitalize on this advantage as they face off against the Temple Owls at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 23, before hosting Seton Hall on Sunday, Mar. 27 for the first Big East dual match of the season. Although they are tough matchups, if Villanova can continue its upward trajectory and lock down wins at home this week, it will move into a solid 3-5 position as the season reaches its midway point.

Women’s Lacrosse Falls to No.10 Michigan quarter, Thompson sent the ball to the back of the Wildcat net, tying the game. From there, the Wildcats had control of the ball for about three minutes until McKenna gave On Sunday, March 20, the the Wildcats back their lead, scoring Villanova women’s lacrosse team her second goal of the game. Howfaced off against No. 10 University ever, this lead did not last long, as of Michigan at home in the Villaabout 30 seconds later, the Wolvernova Stadium. The Wildcats were ines tied the game again, sending it defeated, 8-7, with only a minute left into overtime. in double overtime. The Wildcats During the first overtime penow have a record of 3-7. riod, each team took good shots on The leading scorers for the goal, but both goalkeepers kept the Wildcats were senior midfielders game alive.

It was during this extra Libby McKenna and Caroline time that McKenna also had four Curnal, who each scored two goals. turnovers, a season-high for her.

In addition, junior midfielder Addie At the beginning of double Fischer scored the first goal of the overtime, the Wolverines gained posgame, while senior attacker Olivia session, but the Wildcats soon won Libby McKenna (above) led the Wildcats with two goals.

Piccirilli scored the final goal. FreshCourtesy of Maggie Graw/Villanovan Photography the ball back after an intense fight man attacker Sydney Pappas proved The Wildcats controlled the first 40 seconds of the quarter, over a ground ball with 1:40 left on to be a major factor for the team, most of the second quarter and were Curnal scored her second goal and the clock. McKenna had the last as she scored one goal and played a aggressive from the start.

Within gave her team its largest lead of the shot of the game, but it was saved career-high 79 minutes. For the Wolthe first 60 seconds of the quarter, game, 5-1.

The Wolverines were not by the Wolverine goalkeeper, givverines, the leading scorer was Kaley McKenna scored her first of two giving up, as they went on a threeing them the last possession of the Thompson, who scored a hat trick. goals unassisted.

After winning the goal scoring run.

The first goal was overtime period. However, with 44.1 The Wolverines started as following faceoff, Villanova gained scored by Thompson and the second seconds left in the game, Curnal rethe more aggressive team in the possession of the ball, and after by Erin Garvey about 30 seconds ceived a yellow card and was forced first quarter with Villanova senior many shots and recoveries of the later.

Finally, the streak ended with to exit the game. Playing a man-up, goalkeeper Alexis Moro having to ball around the Wolverine net, Cura goal by Annabelle Burke at 10:24. the Wolverines’ Caroline Bean got make a tough save 40 seconds into nal connected with Pappas for a goal After many close calls and a couple the ball past Moro with 14 seconds the game. After a Villanova turnwith three seconds left on the shot of Wolverine shots that hit the post, left on the clock, giving her team the over, Michigan broke away for a goal clock.

This was the last goal of the the Wildcats got the ball back by victory. scored by Kaitlyn Mead. Despite half, and for the remainder of the causing a shot clock violation for The Wildcats will host UC this early setback and the tough quarter, both teams played strong the Wolverines.

After this Wolverine Davis at the Villanova Stadium on Wolverine defense, the Wildcats defense, producing turnover after turnover, Piccirilli gave her team Saturday, Mar. 26. The last time were quickly back on track thanks turnover.

The Wildcats were sent some breathing room with a goal the Wildcats faced the Aggies was to Fischer, who scored an unassisted back to the locker room with the assisted by Alexa Tsahalis.

However, 12 years ago on Mar. 4, 2010, when goal around the 12-minute mark. lead, 4-1. even after a yellow card given to the they won, 13-12.

This game will With five minutes left in the quarter, In the opening faceoff of the Wolverines’ Burke, her team was still mark Alumni Day for Villanova, Curnal took the ball straight to the third quarter, Villanova obtained able to score and cut its deficit to one when former players and head coach net unassisted and flicked it past the possession of the ball and proved at the end of the third quarter.

Julie Young will be honored.

The goalkeeper to give the Wildcats a 2-1 it was not going to let up.

Within At the start of the fourth game is scheduled for 12 p.m. lead going into the second quarter.

Amanda McKean Staff Writer