The Villanovan | Volume 120, Issue 4: February 18, 2026

Immigration Email Comes Too Late

Emma Taylor Co-Opinion Editor

On Feb. 16, the Villanova community received an email from the University acknowledging the recent events and federal policies enacted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and advising on the best courses of action if it is on campus.

“Grounded in our Augustinian values, and in light of current national and regional developments, we recognize that you may have questions about the potential impact of federal policies on the Villanova community,” the email said. “The following overview is designed to support students, faculty and staff with questions about protocols, available resources and upcoming opportunities for education, dialogue and prayer.”

In bold, the email went on to emphasize that “for the safety of all Villanova community members, under no circumstances should any student, faculty, or staff member try to interfere with or physically obstruct external law enforcement officers.”

Although I can appreciate that the University sent out this email, it feels too delayed to have the full supportive effect it might have had if it were sent last month. In January, the world witnessed one of the most extreme ICE crackdowns, with the filmed and viral killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. For a few weeks, people everywhere were collectively outraged. Social media was rampant with re-postings of the videos of their deaths, and massive days of economic blackouts were organized. Schools and businesses in Minnesota closed, and an NBA game between the

Continued on p.6

Preview: Black Gatsby Gala p. 2

Villanova Supernovas Win First Place In ICCA Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinals

Christopher Brown Staff Writer

On Saturday, Jan. 14, one of Villanova’s nine a capella teams —the Supernovas— represented the school at the annual International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinals at Drexel University. There, they competed against nine other of the best intercollegiate a capella teams in front of thousands of attendees to determine which teams moved forward in the competition. The Supernovas made the University proud by com -

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ing in first place—their first time doing so at the Quarterfinals since 2017.

Hailey Falzone, Villanova senior and Supernova team member, went into detail about the hard work that the Supernovas did to prepare for the event. The Supernovas ran “bootcamps,” for three whole weekends prior to their competition where the members spent hours learning the music, learning the choreography and putting the final performance together.

“We’ll spend seven hours on a Friday, twelve hours on a Saturday and seven hours on a Saturday,” Falzone said about

the effort the team dedicated to this event. “So, it’s a lot of hours for a couple different weekends, where we just put everything together.”

The set they prepared comprised of the following songs: King’s Affirmation by Iniko, Make Up Your Mind by Florence & The Machine, Cowboy Take Me Away by the Chicks and Naeem by Bon Iver.

Senior Gavin Crozier acted as arranger for the team, and his work was so magnificent that he won the award for Outstanding Arrangement for the entire set. Helping him were junior Gianna Angelone,

VSB Unitas Hosts Angela

Miller

Co-News Editor

On Thursday, Feb. 12, Villanova School of Business Unitas hosted its Spotlight Speaker Series event for Black History Month in Bartley Hall’s PwC Auditorium. This event brought in Visit Philadelphia’s President and CEO, Angela Val, and focused on inclusive branding. The Spotlight

Recent Sexual Assault Charges Call For More Self-Defense p. 8 AI Journalism Roundtable Recap p. 3

VSMT’s Production of 13: The Musical p. 11

Speaker series is an event hosted by VSB Unitas during Heritage Months,

such as Black History Month, to ignite curiosity, promote dialogue and

2026 ED/EA Admitted Students Day Recap p. 3

Villanova’s Got Talent: Do You? p. 12

International Intrigue: 2026 Munich Security Conference p. 4

Game Preview: Men’s Basketball To Take On UConn p. 16

sophomore Lauren Fisher and sophomore Zoe Hart. Their collective genius combined with the skills, dedication and talent of the entire team was what led to victory.

“When we finished the set, the crowd erupted and I was so proud of everyone sitting on that stage with me, because there were so many ups and downs,” Falzone said. “Nothing comes easy, but that’s not really the point. The point is to be working hard to earn what you get in the end.”

Falzone describes joining the Supernovas as the best decision she made as a Villanova student.

Continued on p.2

Val

create a dynamic space for enhancing cultural competence,” according to VSB’s website.

Dominic Taylor, a senior in VSB, introduced Val and Visit Philadelphia.

“Ms. Val is the President and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, greater Philadelphia’s official nonprofit leisure tourism marketing agency,” Taylor said. “It leads efforts to build its image, drive tourism and strengthen the local econo

Continued on p.2

This Year’s ASD Demonstrated Villanova At Its Best p. 7

Men’s Basketball Tops Xavier In Overtime, 9289 p. 17

PUBLIC SAFETY BLOTTER

Liquor Underage / Public Drunkenness

February 14, M-4 DOUGHERTY DRIVE.

A female resident student, under the age of 21, appeared in public intoxicated. The student was evaluated by Public Safety and released.

Liquor Underage

February 14, O’DWYER HALL.

A male resident student, under the age of 21, was evaluated by VEMS for alcohol intoxication and released to a sober friend.

Criminal Mischief February 14, GOOD COUNSEL HALL.

A male resident student reported a vandalized exit sign in a residential building.

Criminal Mischief February 14, GOOD COUNSEL HALL.

CORRECTIONS

Vandalized exit signs were discovered in a residential building.

Factual errors are corrected as soon as they are brought to The Villanovan’s

VSB Unitas Hosts Angela Val

my. She has more than two decades of experience in investment marketing and has a central role in displaying Philadelphia as a welcoming and inclusive city through innovative branding.”

Val noted the overall goals that Visit Philadelphia has as a marketing agency.

“Our goal is to get the people to come here, to pick this place,” Val said. “If you haven’t been to Philadelphia, we want you to come in 2026. If you haven’t been here in a while, we want you to come back.”

Val was then asked specifically about the agency’s role in celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary, among other big events occurring in the city during 2026.

“We want to put our best foot forward to give us an opportunity to use this moment as a starting point and not an ending point for what can happen with Philadelphia,” Val said.

Then, Val was asked about what she wants people to take away from these events about the city of Philadelphia. She stated that these events have and hopefully will continue to bring in more people and really “change how people see us.”

Val was also asked about the National Park Service’s removal of exhibits discussing slavery in Philadelphia.

“For us not to acknowledge these people and tell their stories along with all of the other stories was not authentic to us,” Val said. “We are a Quaker city, right? Where it’s a city of tolerance and understanding, where we make room for each other, everyone.”

She hopes to reprint and replace the panels, but said that this is not possible currently due to

lawsuits. However, in the interim, people have taken action.

“And the thing that warms my heart is that there are folks now,” Val said. “Somebody has written out every word from those panels, and people in Philadelphia take turns reading the panels out on the weekends so that people know what the story is.”

Val also talked about Visit Philly’s work to both welcome and share stories from diverse communities, such as the LGBTQ+ community

“We were the first city to invite the LGBTQ community to spend their tourism dollars here,” Val said.

Val also spoke about campaigns to rein in more diverse audiences and encourage them to be proud of their backgrounds.

“Twenty-five percent of our marketing budget goes to what we say are diverse audiences, and right now, we are doing an Indivisible campaign where we want people to understand that who you are as an American is also who you are from your ethnicity and your race,” Val said.

Near the end of her talk, Val elaborated on her perspective as to how Black History Month should be celebrated

“Putting an ad on a website that says Happy Black History Month doesn’t mean anything,” Val said. “It is just lip service. You have to, throughout the year, address these communities. Understand that there are differences. We don’t have to all be the same or like the same thing. It’s fine.”

To end the conversation, Val stated her overarching goal for Visit Philadelphia

“So I want [it] to be [a place] to be yourself,” Val said. “That you can feel comfortable in your own skin, no matter who you are.”

VSB Unitas will host its next Spotlight Speaker Series in Bartley Hall’s PwC Auditorium on March 12.

Preview: Black Gatsby Gala

Mia Galego Co-News Editor

At 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22, Villanova’s Black Student Union (BSU) will be hosting its Black Gatsby Gala in the Villanova Room of the Connelly Center. The Gala theme is based on The Great Gatsby. Students can expect to be immersed in 1920s glamour.

BSU President Sidney Mbah is looking forward to the event.

“This event really represents home for Black Villanovans,” Mbah said. “It’s a once-ayear experience where we get to come together, bask in our Blackness unapologetically, and celebrate the richness of our culture in a space that’s created for us and by us. A lot of times, finding that sense of cultural comfort on campus can be challenging, so having a night where our music, food, art and joy are centered means everything.”

The gala is the last of BSU’s Black History Month events. Throughout February, BSU and the University have hosted numerous events to celebrate Black history, culture and community.

“This month, Villanova will celebrate the contributions of African American and Black people within our community and throughout history,” the University said earlier this month, across its various social media platforms.

“Our hope is that the energy, unity, and pride built throughout February carries on for the rest of the semester,” Mbah said. “That people keep showing up for one another, celebrating each other, and pushing forward a culture of inclusion and love for all Villanova students.”

Formal attire is required to attend. According to an Instagram post from BSU, students can expect a “night of elegance, style, good food and celebration.”

“There’ll be great music, amazing food, and live entertain-

ment from our very own Black arts organizations and student performers,” Mbah said. “We’re incorporating elements like community engagement and opportunities for people to connect and just have a good time together.”

The annual BSU Award winners will also be announced during the gala. The categories are: Arts and Creativity, Professional Development, Community Service, Social Advocacy, Rising Organization of the Year and Organization of the Year.

According to an Instagram post from BSU, the awards serve to honor “Black and multicultural organizations making real impact on campus.”

“We’ll be recognizing excellence in our community with up to six awards being given out,” Mbah said. “Overall, it’s a night full of culture, love and celebration, and we want as many people as possible to come out and be part of it.”

The Gala may be the last of BSU’s Black History Month events, but BSU and the Villanova community will continue to celebrate Black history and achievement throughout the year.

“Even though this gala closes out Black History Month, we don’t see it as an ending,” Mbah said. “It’s more of a milestone and a reminder. In a time where conversations about underrepresentation are becoming more political and more visible, we want this month, and especially this event, to be a way to express love and support for the Black community and other minority groups on campus who are continuing to build spaces where they feel seen and represented. It’s not just a gala, it’s a moment of affirmation, pride and unity for our community.”

Students can look forward to a night of celebration, food and fun. More information regarding BSU Awards and where to purchase tickets can be found on BSU’s Instagram page.

AI Journalism Roundtable Recap

Addy McDougall Staff Writer

“As young journalists, you have to know what’s out there, be curious about it, and gather as much knowledge as you can,” Miranda Villei from CBS Philadelphia said.

Villei’s words of wisdom reflect the ideas expressed by panelists within the Villanova Communication Department’s fifth annual Journalism Roundtable, which was hosted in Garey Hall 10A on Feb. 12.

This year’s journalism roundtable was centered around the topic “Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Journalism’s Future.”

A contrast to last year’s event focused on sports journalism, this year’s roundtable highlighted artificial intelligence (AI) as it has become a matter that has taken on particular relevance within the journalism space.

Moderated by Communication Department professor and advisor of The Villanovan , Michael Bradley, the discussion featured five panelists.

Each panelist, a long-time member of the industry, specialized in different aspects and mediums like print, broadcast and

radio and all have experience in various parts of the journalism industry, including reporting, editing and brand management.

The panelists discussed their different experiences with using AI in the workplace as a part of their various print, radio and broadcast institutions.

They agreed on the fact that AI is beneficial for completing tedious and time-consuming grunt work, such as transcribing and enhancing audio.

However, the five professionals specified that AI should not be used in the creative processes of journalism, such as writing a script or editing a story, and that it is important to keep the creative responsibilities in the hands of humans.

The panelists emphasized the importance of being skilled in the use of AI tools, but not relying on it entirely, ensuring tasks can still be completed “the old-fashioned way, as a backup,” Luca Koppeser from KYW Newsradio said.

To illustrate the importance of maintaining a skeptical attitude towards AI in journalism, Villei shared a story detailing two news stations that aired a local story of a high school principal recorded saying racist and offensive remarks.

Villei’s station chose not

to immediately run the story as it was and instead worked to confirm the story’s validity before moving forward.

Their work uncovered that the scandalous audio of the high school principal was entirely AI-generated.

Villei highlighted the need to question everything that comes across a news desk in today’s AI-dominated environment.

“It is better to be right than first,” Villei said.

Bradley then asked a question addressing whether AI can cause a general lack of trust in the news.

“Trustworthy information has become more of a commodity,” Ross Maghielse, Deputy Managing Editor at The Philadelphia Inquirer, said. “It is good for news organizations,” Maghielse said, “as it presents an opportunity for journalism to reassert value and relevance that the industry has lost.”

Bradley then posed a pressing inquiry looming over journalism today, asking the panelists if they believe AI will develop the capacity to perform the tasks people currently do.

The panelists possessed a more optimistic view of the future of the industry, believing that the trust and reliability of news reporting delivered by humans is

indispensable, even as AI continues to evolve.

Johnny Archer, a longtime reporter and anchor currently working at NBC10, admits that although AI is improving and the industry is facing financial pressures, the human component of journalism and reporting is irreplaceable.

“AI can’t stand out in the snow to report on a storm,” Archer said, “nor go out and ask people questions to get a story.”

The roundtable concluded with the panelists sharing key attributes the industry seeks in aspiring journalists.

All panelists stressed some core values that journalists should still keep in their repetoire, even with the rising nature of AI across the media landscape: hard work, dedication and critical thinking skills.

“Get there early and stay late,” Tom Davis, Vice President of News for 6ABC, said. “It’s all in your hands.”

This year’s journalism roundtable presented a unique opportunity for students to gain insight from a range of professionals in the field. But even more importantly, this roundtable helped students understand where the future of journalism is heading with the rise in AI across all avenues and means of distribution.

2026 ED/EA Admitted Students Day Recap

Finn Courtney Co-News Editor

Last Saturday, Feb. 14, may have been Valentine’s Day, but for Villanova, its valentines may have been in the form of a wave of admitted students potentially confirming their acceptance into the Class of 2030. Villanova held Early Admitted Students Day (for students accepted Early Decision I, Early Decision II or Early Action), which showcased the various majors, clubs and the welcoming community of the University.

Early Admitted Students Day allowed potential Villanovans to explore the campus and learn what could make it their “new home.” The goal of Early Admitted Students Day was to provide students with insight into why they should attend Villanova over other institutions and reinforce their previously made ED1 choices. Everything from campus life to the different opportunities unique to Villanova was demonstrated to prospective students.

The day was planned meticulously by both the University and Blue Key, Villanova’s student-run tour guide organization. A second day is planned for April to welcome the second wave of admitted students, which will include those accepted through regular decision.

“Planning begins in October and is done by a group of students on the Admitted Students Day committee under the direction of the student Junior and Senior Directors, who work with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to plan both events,” senior

Blue Key member Sophie Christoff said. “Admitted Students Day is the biggest Blue Key event of the year, and Villanova students, across all grade levels, go above and beyond to ensure admitted students and their families have the best experience possible.”

Starting bright and early in the morning, admitted students and their families assembled in the Finneran Pavilion. They were greeted by the warm and passionate Blue Key members and the spirit line. Admitted Students Day means the world to students like Christoff who are part of Blue Key.

“Early in the morning, every Blue Key member meets in the Finneran Pavilion and lines the outside entrance with posters, music and energy,” Christoff said. “It is such a special moment to be a part of and reminds me each year why I love this school.”

Once entered and seated inside, accepted students and their families heard University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue O.S.A., Ph.D., give his welcome speech, followed by words from several current University officials and students. After the opening event, students were able to individualize their day by attending academic presentations about their college within Villanova and open houses for a variety of potential majors.

This also included guided tours by members of Blue Key to both the South and Main Campus dorms, so admitted students could see what freshman living is like at Villanova. Blue Key also had members in information booths across campus to answer any questions or direct lost families.

“If a student is attending Admitted Students Day, that means that this is a place that they are really considering, and I genuinely believe that [Admitted Students Day] has the power to make or break that decision,” sophomore Blue Key member Andrew DiGiando said. “That’s how important it is every year, and I think Villanova understands this and does a fantastic job at keeping energy levels high and bringing all sorts of organizations together to really make Admitted Students Day one to remember.”

For some, Admitted Students Day marked the start of their Villanova journey in an organization like Greek Life, student media, service or campus events like Special Olympics and NOVAdance. It also provided assistance with making the major decision on whether to commit to Villanova for the next four years, which might

be accompanied by apprehension. Villanova might be far from what an admitted student is used to. Admitted Students Day tried to cut through that with the love and passion in much of Villanova.

“Going to college is a decision that is exciting but also can be scary, but Admitted Students Day is a time to show just how strong Villanova’s community can be,” DiGiando said. “It makes a new and unfamiliar place feel like home for a day, and I’m hopeful that for these incoming students, Villanova will be a home for the rest of their lives.”

As it always does, Admitted Students Day demonstrated the ‘Caritas, Unitas, Varitas’ spirit of this campus, and through showcasing academic and extracurricular opportunities, it may have shown potential members of Villanova’s Class of 2030 that a home does indeed exist for them here.

International Intrigue: 2026 Munich Security Conference

Addy McDougall Staff Writer

Since 1963, world leaders have annually convened in Munich, Germany, to address pressing international security issues, working towards a peaceful and cooperative world order.

As the Trump Administration’s unconventional recent actions have puzzled world leaders, the 2026 Munich Security Conference, which took place from Feb. 13-15, was highly anticipated to provide clarity about the relationship between the United States and Europe.

Villanova Political Science Professor Deborah Seligsohn discussed the conference’s relevance.

“With so many world leaders and top diplomats speaking, the Munich Security Conference provides an interesting window on the state of international relations, especially as regards Europe,” Seligsohn said.

Tensions between the U.S. and Europe have heightened recently, amidst Trump’s calls for the acquisition of Greenland and threats to impose high tariffs on European allies that stand in his way.

Amidst such weakening alliances, along with the dwindling power of post-World War II in-

stitutions like the United Nations (UN) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), many European leaders at the Munich Security Conference expressed their belief that the traditional rules-based international order has been destroyed and that Trump is to blame, according to Foreign Policy magazine.

However, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer remained optimistic in his conference speech.

“Instead of a moment of rupture, we must make it one of radical renewal,” Starmer said.

The United States’ conference delegation was led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who delivered a speech appealing to Europe’s historical ties and shared values of unity with America. This presented a sharp contrast from Vice President JD Vance’s 2025 conference speech, which chastised Europeans for failing to uphold civil liberties and democratic values, as well as their failure to carry their weight in NATO’s defense spending.

While Rubio’s speech appealed to many European leaders, it was nonetheless laced with ideals of the “MAGA program,” as Norwegian Foreign Minister Eide noted to Foreign Policy. Rubio’s words pushed Trump’s agenda to cut back on climate change prevention efforts and defended strict immigration policies, scolding efforts to “appease a climate cult” and warning about

the dangers of “a world without borders.”

“While this year’s speech by Secretary of State Marco Rubio elicited less alarm among European participants than last year’s by Vice President JD Vance, the United States’ traditional allies still were left with the impression of far less commitment to mutual security than was the case in the past,” Seligsohn said.

U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, boldly called for UN reform, insisting that its other members must share the costly burden America bears in upholding the world order. During the same panel discussion, European Union (EU) foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, in turn highlighted that America also relies on support from Europe to maintain its global influence.

Leaders in attendance from the U.S. Democratic Party offered differing perspectives, stressing their commitment to friendly relations with Europe.

“A number of senators and representatives, along with California Governor Gavin Newsom, expressed stronger commitments to the rules-based international order,” Seligsohn said.

Further reflecting on such interactions, Villanova Political Science Professor Ryan Weldzius reflected on the impact the conference had on Europe.

“As messages from Marco Rubio, the Kallas–Waltz exchange and debates about a reduced US security role push Europe to consider spending far more on defense and hedging economically toward partners like China, they are also accelerating European coordination and strategic autonomy,” Weldzius said.

Exemplifying such European efforts, the final day of the Conference focused solely on European matters, with panels titled “Europeans Assemble!” These discussions addressed security issues within the continent, especially the Russia-Ukraine conflict and how potential outcomes could shape Europe’s future.

Weldzius warns of possible economic consequences to European unity efforts.

“To build the financial and institutional infrastructure needed for the euro to play a larger global role could erode one of Washington’s most powerful tools of influence: the centrality of the dollar in global finance and sanctions,” Weldzius said.

As world leaders, political science scholars and citizens work to assess the evolving world order and its political and economic implications, the 2026 Munich Security Conference reflected a collective uncertainty about America as an ally and global power.

This Week In Politics: EPA Repeals Foundational Scientific Finding

Zoe Garrett Political Columnist

Last Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the federal agency responsible for developing and enforcing environmental-related regulations in the U.S., finalized its repeal of one of the agency’s most fundamental scientific conclusions, reported Reuters.

The “endangerment finding,” a 2009 principle which has since underpinned the agency’s policies, asserts that carbon dioxide and other emissions resulting from the burning of fossil fuels pose a threat to human health. The conclusion supported the Clean Air Act’s authority to categorize six specific greenhouse gases as a danger to public health and has enabled the EPA to enforce regulations on emissions from vehicles, power plants and other pollutants, according to CNN.

The independent agency is headed by Lee Zeldin, who was appointed by President Donald Trump. On the day the order was finalized, Trump praised the move and criticized the finding’s legitimacy.

“We are officially terminating the so-called endangerment finding, a disastrous Obama-era policy that severely damaged the American auto industry,” Trump told reporters. He argued that the decision “has nothing to do with public health,” labeling the finding as “a scam, a giant scam.”

He placed blame on his Democratic predecessors who had leveraged the finding to en-

force emissions-regulating policy:

“This was a rip-off the country by Obama and Biden.”

With the scientific bedrock of many EPA regulations having been revoked, the Trump administration will be empowered to revoke other policies for reducing planet-warming emissions. Administration officials have argued that the finding has only served to hinder the economy and has not effectively protected public health.

The move has been met with skepticism and even condemnation. Environmental groups have denounced the decision, questioning its legality and warning of its potential dangers. Some have even voiced their intent to sue the administration.

“Earthjustice and our partners will see the Trump administration in court,” said Abigail Dillen, president of Earthjustice, an environmental advocacy organization. “The courts have repeatedly affirmed EPA’s obligation to clean up climate pollution. There is no way to reconcile EPA’s decision with the law, the science and the reality of disasters that are hitting us harder every year.”

Several politicians have also criticized the repeal of the finding. Gavin Newsom, the sitting governor of California, wrote a stinging post to X shortly following the move’s announcement.

“This decision betrays the American people and cements the Republican Party’s status as the pro-pollution party,” Newson said. “[The decision] will lead to more deadly wildfires, more extreme heat deaths, more climate-driven floods and droughts, and greater threats

to communities nationwide—all while the EPA dismisses the overwhelming science that has protected public health for decades.”

Newsom also pledged to file a lawsuit against the administration.

“California will not stand by,” he wrote. “We will sue to challenge this illegal action, and we will continue fighting climate pollution here in our state.”

Entities that stand to benefit from the repeal have expressed approval. The Specialty Equipment Market Association, the trade association for companies that supply automakers, noted that the decision will “directly impact the range of new vehicle choices that exist in the coming years.”

The implications of the decision will likely extend beyond the remainder of Trump’s second term. With this scientific underpinning revoked, future admin-

istrations will likely be forced to reestablish the conclusion to craft legislation grounded in it, which could take years, per AP News.

In light of these far-reaching consequences, environmental groups and many elected officials alike remain steadfast in their commitment to challenge the move.

The U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan group of governors advocating for climate-protective policies, stated its resolution against the decision, epitomizing the opposition the Trump administration will likely battle in court, reports USA Today.

“This action is unlawful, ignores basic science and denies reality,” the coalition’s statement reads. “We know greenhouse gases cause climate change and endanger our communities and our health, and we will not stop fighting to protect the American people from pollution.”

NOVAdance Raises Over $120,000 In 24 Hours

Lauren Armstrong Senior Columnist

NOVAdance raised over $120,000 on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, in their annual NOVAdance versus UDance fundraising event.

NOVAdance is Villanova’s chapter of the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, dedicated to raising money and support for families of children battling pediatric cancer. UDance is the University of Delaware’s chapter. Each spring since

2021, the two chapters have competed to raise the largest amounts of money for the organization. The winning university gains an additional $10,000 from the competitor.

“We decided on our $100,000 goal in January when we planned out the semester with our teams,” Annie O’Brien, NOVAdance co-executive director (CED), said. “It had only been done in one day once before, and we felt confident that the Villanova community would be able to do it again.”

NOVAdance hit their $100,000 goal around 8:15 p.m.,

and as of 10:00 p.m. had raised over $120,000 in less than 24 hours.

NOVAdance has successfully raised more money than UDance from 2021 to 2024, losing their title to Delaware for the first time in 2025. The $120,000 was a strong effort to win back bragging rights and $10,000 from UDance in 2026. Final results from the competition between the two schools will be announced Wednesday Feb. 18.

This year, sending emails to friends, family members and acquaintances was the most successful fundraising tool, and nearly 500 students contributed to fundraising for Villanova during this competition.

“UDance Day is our biggest fundraising day aside from the day of [event] and to have this kind of performance, [we had] the best UDance Day in NOVAdance history,” Noah Kang, director of development, said. “Some many people have been putting in work behind the scenes since May and to see it come to fruition today was truly amazing. We have such an amazing team and I am confident in our ability to hit $800,000 this year.”

This year’s NOVAdance is set to take place at the Dixon Center on Cabrini’s campus on March 28, 2026. Last year, the organization raised $708,269.10, and this year CEDs Grant LeMay and O’Brien decided to make a public goal of raising at least $800,000 for the 2025 to 2026 aca-

demic year.

“NOVAdance is on the road to becoming a million dollar marathon, and we wanted to do our part with NOVAdance 2026,” LeMay said. “Part of that was hopefully rallying the Villanova community around this goal, so when our final number is raised, everyone can feel that they have done their part in making history possible.”

This goal was first made public to the NOVAdance committee in August, and soon after was announced to the rest of campus. With this goal in mind, NOVAdance decided to take this goal and turn it into new fundraising efforts.

“We launched our ‘$8 in a Day’ campaign in January, and it brought in nearly $6,000,” LeMay said. “We hope by March 28 everyone on this campus will know exactly what we are trying to do.”

NOVAdance’s large strides in fundraising efforts this year have clearly made an impact. Raising over $120,000 in one day is a strong step toward their final goal.

“We definitely want to keep up the steam and keep being super creative and hardworking as we continue our biggest fundraising months,” finance team member Emily Daiuto said.

With only 38 days until March 28, the Villanova community will need to sustain this momentum to reach $800,000, their most ambitious goal yet.

Freedom School Takes Place After Being Rescheduled

Natalie Manzo Staff Writer

The Center for Peace and Justice Education hosted its annual Freedom School on Monday, Feb. 16, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Villanova Room.

The event honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and is inspired by the 1960s movement that worked to end segregation in public schools.

The event was originally scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22, but was moved due to the campus-wide shutdown resulting from a threat to an academic building.

It is normally a day-long workhop, but the rescheduling limited it to one hour.

Each year, Villanova staff, students and faculty are invited to propose and present topics.

This year, the event featured presentations by graduate students, various faculty and Villanova Interdisciplinary Studies Training for Advocates (VIISTA) graduates.

Center for Peace and Justice Education Director Kathryn Getek Soltis, STL, Ph.D., began the event with a brief welcome.

“We are very much in the spirit of the Freedom Schools tonight, gathering our wisdom together as a community, learning fror each other, and learning with the purpose of acting, seeking to empower, seeking to liberate, and look at places of injustice,” Soltis said.

Following the introduction, the event was broken into two sessions.

Attendees chose one of three presentations to attend during each session.

Session one featured “Mending with Glass—Community Art and Reflection on the Summer of 2020” with Mary-Angela Papalaskari, “How to Tax a Billionaire” with Guinevere Keith, and “VIISTA: Turning Passion for Immigration Justice into Action” with Farhad Wedee and Jessica Merone, Ph.D.

Papalaskari’s presentation began with a slideshow highlighting the global Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. Following the protests, she collected the glass from broken storefront windows in Philadelphia and began to create art with it, including stop-motion videos.

During the session, participants had the opportunity to create their own videos by arranging the glass themselves.

Pola Szablowski, a freshman, chose to attend the interactive art presentation.

“Art is something that I’m actually interested in, so connecting that with justice and discrimination was really interesting,” Szablowski said.

After a short break, session two began and featured “Implications of U.S. Government Cancelling of Women, Peace, & Security Initiatives” with Joe Evans, Ph.D., “Living Sustainably, Pursuing Justice” by Allie McAllister and Simon Brooks, and “VIISTA: Turning Passion for Immigration Justice into Action” with Wedee and Merone for a second time.

Evans, a retired lieutenant

colonel in the U.S. Army, drew on his experience in combat and peacekeeping operations.

Focusing on his time in Afghanistan and Nepal, Evans highlighted the importance of the Women, Peace and Security agenda and discussed challenges arising from its cancellation by the current administration.

“There is more to be done

than what we do tonight, but tonight is a very good and very important start, and we do that together,” Soltis said. “We do it in the spirit of empowerment.”

Despite its shortened format this year, the 2026 Freedom School provided attendees with a strong understanding of the impact of the traditional daylong workshop.

OPINION Regarding “Green Bananas”: A Gift From English 1975

Juliana Burke Staff Writer

During my time at Villanova, I have read books that sharpened my arguments, complicated my politics and deepened my understanding of history. However, the book that changed me most worked more quietly, reshaping my thoughts about patience, vocation and what it means to live well. That book is “Green Bananas,” the story of Augustinian priest Father Bill Atkinson and the unlikely friendship he formed with his caregiver, Steve McWilliams. If I had to name one book every Villanova student should read before graduating, it would be Green Bananas, not because it is assigned, but because it speaks directly to the kind of people we are called to become.

At first glance, Green Bananas reads like a straightforward account of Father Bill’s life and ministry. A beloved Augustinian who became paralyzed after a sledding accident as a young seminarian, Father Bill spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair, serving students and parishioners with humor, stubborn hope and an unflinching honesty about the limits of his condition. Yet the book’s power lies as much in Steve’s voice as in Father Bill’s. Steve does not present himself as a spiritual hero. He is candid about his hesitation to take the job, his fear that the demands would overwhelm him and the awkwardness that marked their early interactions.

That candor grounds the story. Steve’s growth from a reluctant employee to devoted friend is the emotional backbone of the book. Through daily routines that might appear ordinary from the outside, he begins to recognize dignity where he once saw inconvenience and friendship where he once felt obligation. The transformation is gradual, almost imperceptible at times, which makes it all the more convincing. The book suggests that moral growth is formed in repetition, responsibility and proximity to another person’s vulnerability. What makes the book espe-

cially resonant at Villanova is how naturally it reflects the university’s Augustinian commitments to community, humility and care for the whole person. Father Bill embodies these values not through grand speeches, but through consistent, unremarkable acts of attention.

One scene that has stayed with me unfolds in a diner, where a man angrily confronts Father Bill about the Catholic Church’s abuse scandal, directing his frustration at him personally. Father Bill does not respond defensively. He listens. He pays for the man’s meal. He thanks him for speaking honestly.

It is a small moment, yet it reveals a rare discipline: the ability to absorb anger without returning it. In a culture that often rewards quick rebuttals and public takedowns, Father Bill’s response feels almost countercultural. His restraint does not signal weakness. It reflects a deliberate choice to prioritize dignity over ego, reframing strength as steadiness and humility as a form of moral courage.

The title Green Bananas comes from Father Bill’s habit of buying bananas before they were ripe, serving as a simple reminder that not everything has to be ready all at once. Father Bill is open about his own frustrations and fears. He does not deny the hardship of his condition, but instead acknowledges it and intentionally turns his attention toward the small graces embedded in daily life. His optimism is not naïve, but practiced.

What I value most about “Green Bananas” is that it does not present a flawless life, but a faithful one. Father Bill’s story is marked by physical limitation, public misunderstanding and routine demands. Yet, he insists on joy rooted in service and relationship.

As I consider the books that have filled my shelves at Villanova, this is the one I return to because it quietly demanded more of me. It asked me to slow down, listen longer, be patient with others and to accept that growth takes time. If one of the primary missions of Villanova is to shape our understanding of who we are, then Green Bananas may be one of the clearest guides for doing so.

Villanova’s Immigration Resources Email Comes Too Late

Emma Taylor Co-Opinion Editor

Continued from p.1

Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors was postponed.

This chaotic time period would have been perfect for the University to issue a statement. Sure, ICE presence in Philadelphia and its suburbs is nowhere near the heightened level that Minnesota is experiencing, but that doesn’t negate the need for some sort of guidance that the administration could have offered. What is worse is that Customs and Border Protection, which was at the center of this controversy, was scheduled to be present at the Spring Career Fair. Customs and Border Protection eventually did not attend the Career Fair, but the lack of initiative by the University means people can’t help but feel a little unenthused about this latest statement.

In the aftermath of January’s events, Jacob Frey, the mayor of Minneapolis, took the international spotlight against ICE with this call for the agency to

“get the f*** out of Minneapolis.” Frey is also a Villanova alumnus. He attended the Charles Widger School of Law, graduating cum

laude in 2009, and then moved to Minneapolis. Frey was educated in law by the University and is now the poster child for the stand

against ICE, so Villanova and its community must take inspiration from him and be timely and active participants in the conversation.

“Over the past year, the University has closely monitored this situation, communicating with various groups through email and individualized guidance from Human Resources, the Office of the Provost, and Student Life,” the University said in a statement to The Villanovan. “We remain committed to keeping our community informed and supported as this situation evolves.”

I am not trying to minimize the importance of the resources and educational opportunities that the University provided in this email. The plethora of offices, counseling, discussions and workshops listed are incredibly relevant and accessible, and I hope that students have the drive and interest to utilize them. However, as the federal government pulls out the majority of its ICE agents in its Minnesota operation and the public’s fervor subsides, it’s hard not to think about how much more help this statement may have offered in the heat of it all. This is the minimum that a university with a significant number of international students should offer.

EDITORIAL BOARD LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

KAILEY FAHY

DYLAN JOHNSON

SOPHIE LATESSA

AVERY CHALK

EMMA TAYLOR

Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Editor

Opinion Editor

Opinion Editor

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

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

The 2026 Super Bowl Commercials Were Disappointing

Addy McDougall Staff Writer

The Super Bowl is the mostwatched football game of the year, but many viewers tune in exclusively to watch the array of commercials curated for the big game. Super Bowl commercials present a unique opportunity for companies to showcase their advertising capacities through creative concepts, often involving elaborate storytelling and celebrity features.

Super Bowl advertisements have historically covered mundane and light-hearted topics, like food and drink, streaming services, movie releases and clothing brands. After Brandwatch deemed the “most talked-about” ads from the previous two years to be Nike and Temu, this year’s shift from such topics shocked many viewers.

Fans were disappointed by the 2026 commercials line-up, which focused heavily on artificial intelligence (AI) programs, weightloss drugs and sports betting. According to CBS News, nearly 25% of ads pre-released for the game were promoting AI-related products, and 15 of the ads aired on game day were either promoting AI or used it in the production of the commercial. Viewers were also taken aback by numerous sports gambling ads and even Serena Williams endorsing weight loss drugs for the telehealth company Ro. Although typical topics like chips and beer brands had spots in the 2026 commercial lineup, they seemed to

have been overshadowed by the many ads pushing gambling, weight management campaigns and AI integration.

It was concerning to watch a steady stream of commercials that pushed the use of AI in every aspect of life. Wix Harmony demonstrated its AI program’s ability to create websites, Meta encouraged people to record activities using their Oakley Meta Performance AI glasses and Google showed viewers how to design a new home using Gemini AI. Chris Hemsworth even starred in an ad about using the Alexa Plus tool to perform tasks like scheduling appointments. Genspark also aired a

troubling commercial boasting that its AI can fulfill workplace tasks, insisting, “Let Genspark automate your work and take a day off.”

Another issue with the Super Bowl’s commercials was how AI was used to make advertisements. While some companies exhibited obvious AI use as part of their commercial concept, like Svedka’s dancing robots ad, others seemingly tried to be more discreet. Although some companies managed to use AI in tasteful manners, clearly maintaining human creative influence, AI was a distracting element in many of the commercials.

To me, the most memorable commercials were the ones that

highlighted real people showing off products, with popular ads that featured celebrities like Benson Boone and Ben Stiller in the unforgettable Instacart ad, or Charlie XCX in Poppi’s captivating commercial.

Students interested in the fields of marketing and advertising were especially stunned by the peculiar advertisements, and are concerned about how AI use may affect their futures.

“I’m always excited to watch the Super Bowl commercials, especially since I started my marketing major,” freshman Ava Krajcirovic said. “But it was weird to see so many ads about AI. It felt like they were there in every other commercial. It definitely makes me uneasy to see how the role of AI will progress in the future.”

Commercials featured during Super Bowls are meant to be creative and original and capture the audience’s attention, while being informative. Although AI is indeed at the forefront of today’s world, most Super Bowl viewers prefer the classic ads that introduced them to new snacks, movies or clothes, not ones on how to use AI for everyday tasks.

Especially in today’s job market, where workers are increasingly worried that AI could replace their position, it is disconcerting to see AI so aggressively promoted, even when it is framed as helpful to humans. Super Bowl LX’s commercials reflect a world with shifting values and an increasing dependence on AI in every aspect of life.

This Year’s ASD Demonstrated Villanova At Its Best

Zoe Shack Staff Writer

On Friday, Feb. 13, and Saturday, Feb. 14, Villanova’s admissions office and its tour guide organization, Blue Key, held the Admitted Students Day (ASD) weekend for Early Action and Early Decision students. Especially as the spotlight on Villanova continues to grow, it is more important than ever that Villanova remains intentional and authentic about how it presents itself to potential students. This year’s ASD did just that.

Following a series of sessions specific to the four academic colleges, University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. addressed the admitted students and their families in the Finneran Pavilion. A key theme throughout his remarks was the idea of promoting inclusion and empathy as a means of honoring Villanova’s Augustinian roots. He explained that as Villanova was founded on a desire to educate the disadvan-

taged and under-resourced, it is our duty as a community to continue that legacy. This sentiment was echoed by a series of student speakers who worked with the Admissions Office and Blue Key to highlight what makes the campus culture so unique. Undergraduate students emphasized the role that community-oriented events such as the Special Olympics’ Fall Festival and NOVADance play in shaping an ethos of compassion.

Corey McCall, a junior who serves on Blue Key’s executive board as the Inclusion Coordinator, shared his thoughts on this year’s ASD.

“What made ASD unique this year was the start of a new tradition,” McCall said. “I worked closely with the Inclusion Committee and my chairs to create the first Multicultural Fair, which was held in Jake Nevin. Watching it all come to life and seeing prospective families come talk to the students at the fair truly warmed my heart.”

After all, highlighting the aspects of life at Villanova that define student experience helps those con-

sidering Villanova understand what it is really like. What makes Villanova a special place, in many instances, is not simply the headlines. Instead, it’s the little moments in which Villanovans demonstrate their passions and their care for the community. Taking the

extra few seconds to hold the door for someone else, signing up to table for an organization, and simply making the effort show up for others are the simple, everyday instances that shape Villanova’s culture into what we know it to be.

Why Reading Still Matters In A Digital Era

Kaitlin Lawrenson Staff Writer

There are more than 158 million books in the world. That is billions of pages, millions of stories, thousands of readers and hundreds of lives changed. Do you remember the first book you read? “If You Give A Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff was the first book I read by myself. At the time, I didn’t realize the significance of this milestone, but today, at almost 20 years old, that simple story marked the beginning of a larger journey.

Books are my support system, my escape. When I am having a difficult day or just need a break from my world, I read and live through the eyes of someone else. The power of this transformation is so underrated. Instead of scrolling on social media at night and agonizing over the comparisons, I shut out the world with my Kindle. From Europe in the 1800s to the present day in New York City, I can travel anywhere in the world at any point in time with the flip of a page.

Seeing life through other people’s experiences, stories and perspectives has increased awareness in my day-to-day life. Reading has taught me empathy in ways no lecture ever could. It allows me to step into lives that look nothing like my own and feel emotions I may never other-

wise experience. Through books, I have learned what it means to love deeply, to grieve honestly, to fail, to grow and to restart. Each story leaves behind a quiet lesson, even if I do not quite realize it at first. In a world that constantly demands productivity and perfection, reading feels like permission to simply exist.

According to Villanova sophomore Katie Hannon, reading “helps bring you into a different world away from some of the chaos life can bring… without any added external pressures of

whether I’m keeping up with the latest trends or having a certain digital presence.”

Unlike social media, books do not ask me to perform or curate myself for others. There is no algorithm deciding what I should feel or think next. The experience is mine. Reading also gives me the freedom to explore who I am without fear of judgment. When I connect with a character, cry at a heartbreaking ending or feel seen by a single line of dialogue, those moments belong only to me. I do not have to explain, justify

or package them into something presentable. Books allow me to experience real emotions privately, creating a space where I can reflect and grow without outside influence.

Another reason books have remained such a constant in my life is how deeply personal they are. Everyone reads differently. Everyone gravitates toward different genres, tropes and narratives depending on what they need at that moment in their life. A book that changes one person’s life might mean nothing to someone else, and that is okay. Reading meets you where you are, not where you are expected to be.

As I’ve grown older, my relationship with books has evolved, but their importance in my life has only deepened. What began as a simple childhood accomplishment turned into a lifelong habit, a coping mechanism and eventually a source of comfort and self-discovery. Books have been there during my moments of loneliness, uncertainty and transition, quietly reminding me that I am not alone. I will never read the 158 million books in the world. However, I know that the ones I do read will continue to shape the way I view the world. Reading is not just something I enjoy, it’s a part of who I am. And it all started with a mouse, a cookie and the realization that within the pages of a book, there is always another world waiting to be discovered.

Recent Sexual Assault Charges Call For More Self-Defense

Massimo DiLeo Staff Writer

The Villanova community was reminded of the controversy surrounding a graduating senior who was involved in a sexual assault case in 2022. For context, the student did not commit the act himself, but was accused of filming it, leading many students to protest that the student should not graduate with his classmates.

Heading back to my south campus dorm on April 13, 2025, I watched as flyers about “THE TRUTH ABOUT VILLANOVA” and “VILLANOVA PROTECTS RAPISTS’ were passed out to prospective families visiting campus for Admitted Students Day. Eventually, the Villanova community released a statement claiming that the alleged student would not attend the graduation ceremony, and the situation calmed down. However, this is not the first time Villanovans have faced civil unrest related to sexual assault on campus, leading many to question whether or not Villanova should offer more resources to prepare students on how to handle assault.

To provide a foundation for later arguments, it is important to highlight Villanova’s current efforts related to sexual misconduct and Public Safety’s response to it.

According to page six of the 2025 Villanova Security and Fire Safety Report, “Both the Office for Residence Life and the Department of Public Safety provide

the University community with educational materials on safety and crime prevention in brochures and on their departmental websites…

The Department of Public Safety offers a wide variety of security awareness and crime prevention programming for students and employees. Topics include personal safety awareness, theft prevention, sexual assault awareness, internet safety, alcohol education, Active Shooter Awareness Training, and the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) self-defense course… During the 2024-2025 academic year, Public Safety offered approximately 40 crime prevention and security awareness programs. Topics such as active shooter preparedness, personal safety, residence hall security, and sexual assault prevention are some examples of programs offered during the prior academic year.”

Although this statement steers our community in the correct direction, the quotes provided above are not able to be accessed through a simple Google search. This leaves many wondering if the programming that Villanova offers should be advertised more publicly, especially given recent events. If this claim seems overly dramatic, I will try to put it into context. After typing ‘Villanova Group Fitness’ into Google, I received a link that displayed the various yoga, Pilates and dance classes offered to Villanova students over the course of the week. Imagine this: what if we had a similar web page that contained a

full schedule of self-defense-related programs? I am not claiming that we should substitute the group fitness schedule for this one, but rather arguing that the two should co-exist with the same publicity, as it was much easier to find the group fitness schedule online.

“I think adding more accessible self-defense classes on campus could benefit all students in terms of learning about how to keep themselves safe,” sophomore Isa Houlihan said.

Villanova does offer a wide range of programming, but the problem is that it must be requested by the students themselves.

More specifically, according to Villanova’s Department of Public Safety, “Public Safety can talk

to your group or attend an event to offer info-sessions on the following topics: Theft Prevention, Active Shooter Response, Staying Safe Online, Identity Theft, Sexual Assault Prevention, Dating Violence, Harassment and Stalking, Hate Crimes, and RAD Self Defense Program. The session can also be customized to your needs.”

This is a great thing, but sometimes students feel uncomfortable reaching out and requesting this rather than attending a related event that is already offered. Rather than denouncing anything currently available, I hope to inspire more self-defense resources that can help Villanova grow stronger and are easier to access.

CULTURE Letters From Lauren: Senioritis

Dear seniors,

I do not know about the rest of you, but one thing I have learned this semester is how to do everything at once while feeling like I am doing nothing at all.

Senioritis is hitting hard, and as we enter the point of the semester where essays, tests and presentations are due, we are also entering the part of the semester where time seems to be running out. A time when your friends can convince you to go out with them by saying we only have 11 more mug nights, or that the last tailgate of the year is coming up.

Seniors often have easy classes, spend lots of time with friends and have just a few requirements to satisfy before walking the stage in May.

However, some of us are in the predicament of still having tough classes, capstones, thesis projects and internships while balancing our social lives and job hunting.

There is social pressure to make the most of it. Every event feels like it needs to be attended. Every invite feels like it might be the last one.

We tell ourselves we will never again have this many friends living across the hall or down the road.

The walk to Kelly’s Taproom will never again take only 15 minutes.

So when someone says, “let’s go,” it seems important.

At the same time, the academic pressure does not magically disappear just because we are seniors. Capstones still have deadlines. Presentations still count. Professors still expect effort. There is also the pressure of figuring out what to do after graduation.

The LinkedIn notifications,

job applications, interviews being squeezed in between classes and questions like “So what are you doing next year?” are exhausting.

The term senioritis implies laziness and putting off things because “we can.” But procrastination comes from the pressure of not knowing what to prioritize or how to balance everything perfectly.

Seniors have to study in

between career center appointments and senior events. We have to celebrate the last 100 days while counting in the back of your mind how many job applications you sent out that week. It is not due to slacking off. It’s due to saying yes and committing to more things than you can count.

Of course, there is the added pressure of comparisons. You might have friends who got internship offers back in September, roommates who are taking easier classes and hallmates who effortlessly balance their social lives and grades.

This comparison just adds to the preexisting stress of senior year.

However, senior spring is not about giving up. It is about finding an individual balance that works for you.

It is about sending in those job applications, submitting your essays and getting ready with your friends to enjoy one of your last nights out together in college. It is about being present in the moment while planning out the rest of your life.

Senioritis is not laziness. It is being overwhelmed. That is normal. It is what happens when you are trying to finish one chapter to start the next. We are not yet ready to flip to the next page, and that is okay.

That is balance. That is maturing. That is what it means to be a senior in college.

With love always, Lauren

The Supernovas Win At 2026 ICCA Quarterfinals

Christopher Brown Staff Writer

Continued from p.1

She described it not just as joining an a capella group, but rather a family.

“We all just cried because we were just so happy with the product we had put on that stage. And we felt that even if things don’t go our way, we all really synced together on that stage and put our best performance out there.”

Like a true family, the Supernovas have supported Falzone through every responsibility, obligation and hardship. As the president of LEVEL, vice-president of SNAP and a member of four different nursing boards outside of Villanova, calling her busy would be a massive understatement and yet the team has made sure to accommodate her schedule and encourage her to chase every goal.

Students interested in learning more about the Supernovas or joining the group can find more information about them on

Instagram @vusupernovas. They can also be found on YouTube, VUGroups and TikTok, with links to them being available on the Student Ensemble section of the school website.

“Don’t let anything stop you from chasing your dreams and trying something new, because I guarantee you won’t regret join -

ing the Supernovas. No one ever does,” Falzone said. Students should also be sure to mark March 21 on their calendars as the Supernovas will be competing in the ICCA Mid-Atlantic Semifinals in Wilmington, DE. As they move forward in the competition, this campus will be cheering them on.

Senior Gift Committee Presents: Dancing With The Cats

Sophia Thomas Staff Writer

On Friday, Feb. 20, at 6:30 p.m., the Senior Gift Committee will host “Dancing with the Cats!” Inspired by the popular TV hit, “Dancing with the Stars,” at the Connelly Cinema. This event is sure to spark excitement in many people.

Senior Ava Petrosky, who will be featured as a “pro” at the event, hopes that the event generates a spirit of giving.

“The goal of this event is to get the seniors excited to give back to areas of the community that have given so much to them over the past four years,” Petrosky said.

The event will function similarly to “Dancing with the Stars.” There will be eight total couples, each featuring one “pro” and one “star.” Many “pros,” like Petrosky, are affiliated with some of the many dance organizations we have on campus. The “pros” are tasked with choreographing their pair’s dance and coaching their “star.”

When the idea of this event was first introduced, many students, like Petrosky, were called to action.

“Immediately, my whole face lit up…I knew I had to do this,” Petrosky said.

Whether they have a dancing background or not, the preparation process has required time and dedication from all the pairs.

The hope is that both the “pro” and “star” can garner support

based on their unique involvement in campus life. Tickets are selling for five dollars, and every dollar counts towards one vote. When you vote for a specific couple, that money will benefit the community organization your selected pair is representing.

Senior Eva Grzech will be featured as a “star.” Her pair will represent the student performing arts and will perform a hip hop number. Having danced competitively for 15 years before college, Grzech is thrilled to re-enter the world of dance.

“[I am] super hyped to be back on stage,” Grzech said. “Love [for the arts] never leaves you.”

Being that she is representing

something she is so passionate about, Grzech is excited for the opportunity to perform in front of students who may not usually get involved with performing arts here at Villanova.

Grzech’s sentiment echoes the goal of “Dancing with the Cats.” It is an opportunity for students to engage with and support an area of campus they are passionate about.

“The Senior Class Gift is all about reflecting on your Villanova experience and giving back to the people, programs and opportunities that shaped it,” Assistant Director of Student Philanthropy Kat Ciliberto said. “What makes it special is that every senior chooses where their gift goes, whether that’s a favorite student

organization, scholarship, a department or another area of campus that means something to them. It’s personal, and it allows every gift to tell a different story while bringing the class together around a shared sense of gratitude and impact.”

Ciliberto is celebrating three years in her position at Villanova and is advising the Senior Class Gift committee this year. She is extremely excited and grateful to see all of the support this event continues to receive.

“Of course, every dollar raised matters, but the bigger goal is the collective impact and seeing the community come together,” Ciliberto said. “And if someone can’t make it in person, they can still support our dancers by following along on the Senior Class Gift social media and voting using the link in our bio starting Feb. 16.”

There are ample opportunities for students to get involved with “Dancing with the Cats” before the event.

“At the end of the day, yes, it’s a dance competition, but it’s also seniors showing up for each other and celebrating the people and places that shaped their time here,” Ciliberto said. “If people leave having had fun, cheering loudly and feeling a little more connected to the idea of giving back, then we’ve done what we set out to do.”

Vote and get your tickets now for “Dancing with the Cats” on Friday, Feb. 20, at 6:30 p.m. in Connelly Cinema.

The Room Where It Happens: Epstein Chaos

Hudson Zivic Staff Writer

The phrase “history repeats itself” is widely known and often used for various reasons.

It highlights recurring patterns in human behavior, societal trends and historical or political events.

That’s where Hamilton: An American Musical comes in. The comparison for this analysis: Is history really repeating itself?

By examining a quote from the musical alongside a contemporary political story, we can explore whether the ideals, conflicts and ambitions that shaped the early republic are echoing in current events, or if what appears familiar is simply history’s rhyming, not its repetition.

In September, Alexander Hamilton’s Reynolds Pamphlet was compared to the early battle over the Epstein files. Hamilton, facing allegations of financial corruption, declared, “I’ll write my way out. / Overwhelm them with honesty.”

Hamilton believed radical transparency was the best defense. By confessing to an affair with Maria Reynolds, he hoped to silence rumors that he had misused public funds. He chose exposure over suspicion.

Now, in early 2026, the Epstein files controversy has entered a new phase, and the parallels feel deeper and far more institutional.

Over the past several weeks, the U.S. Department of Justice has released documents about the investigations into Jeffrey Epstein and

Ghislaine Maxwell as part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Unlike Hamilton’s single pamphlet, these releases have come in waves through court filings, communications, flight logs and internal records with heavy redactions.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has become the central figure in this latest chapter. Her handling of the document release has sparked bipartisan backlash. Democrats argue that redactions seem to shield influential figures under the idea of protecting victims. Some Republicans have publicly pushed for faster and fuller disclosure, exposing fractures within the broader Trump-aligned coalition.

Bondi was photographed holding internal records detailing which lawmakers had accessed certain Epstein files. Critics framed it as institutional surveillance rather than transparency, prompting outrage and formal objections. The optics that were clear to the public showed a Justice Department accused of withholding information, appearing to track those demanding it.

The hearings that followed were hostile. Bondi defended the redactions as legally necessary to protect privacy and ongoing investigative matters. Lawmakers countered that excessive blackouts weaken public trust. The chaos became less about individual documents and more about who controls access to them.

Beyond the procedural battles, the releases have had tangible consequences. Several prominent figures in business and law resigned after newly unsealed communications with Epstein or Maxwell became public. A

former White House counsel turned Wall Street executive stepped down amid scrutiny. Bipartisan calls for accountability have extended to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick over reported ties and demands for fuller disclosure.

In the private sector, entertainment executives and corporate leaders have quietly exited board positions or paused ventures as renewed attention intensified backlash. Even without criminal charges, the association has proven damning.

Here, the Hamilton comparison deepens. When Hamilton published the Reynolds Pamphlet, he believed confessing to personal misconduct would protect his public legacy. Instead, the confession consumed it. Transparency did not prevent damage. It redirected it.

The Epstein files are doing something similar on a systemic scale.

The debate is no longer only about Epstein’s crimes. It is about elite networks, institutional transparency and whether powerful individuals receive protection that ordinary citizens would not.

“History has its eyes on you,” George Washington sings in the musical, a warning about legacy and accountability. That line resonates today. Every redaction, every resignation, every televised confrontation becomes part of the institutional record.

The way these files are handled may shape public trust more than the specific names revealed within them.

Hamilton believed he could “write his way out,” but in 2026, no single person is holding the pen. Whether this moment is remembered as transparency or mistrust may depend not just on what is revealed, but on who controls the telling.

VSMT’s Production Of 13: The Musical

Eden Rosini Staff Writer

This past weekend, Villanova Student Musical Theater (VSMT) performed 13: The Musical in the Smith Performance Lab. It will perform its second run from Feb. 19 to Feb. 22.

The production, directed and choreographed by sophomore Gianna Lauria, follows the story of soon-to-be 13-year-old Evan Goldman as he navigates the social scene at his new school in Appleton, Ind. Goldman grapples with the idea of true friendship and the notion that everything might just turn out okay in the end. Overall, Goldman won the audience over with his innocence and desire to fit in, something many find relatable. The choreography and singing made the audience joyful, and the humor produced many laughs.

Sophomore Betty Lundborn, who is also VSMT’s DEI Coordinator, plays “Archie Walker,” a character living with a degenerative illness. He uses mobility aids to get from point A to point B, and is characterized by his unique sense of humor and big heart. This is an important aspect of the show, and Betty takes this role very seriously.

“It’s also crucial for the audience to know that Archie’s personality is influenced by the fact that he has less time than his peers, so he must grow up faster,” Lundborn said.

Lundborn’s experience navigating this role is unique, as she has

Maggie Fitzgerald Co-Culture Editor

lived with a disabled individual. She credits this with helping her to learn how to play the role accurately and sensitively.

“I spent the majority of my teen years caring for a family member who has ALS, which is quite similar to the disorder that Archie has, and this really informed the way that I decided to tell Archie’s story,” Lundborn said. “I think that my lived experience helped me have more empathy for his character, but also a more realistic and nuanced view.”

Lauria has been ecstatic about this production from the moment she began preparing her material. She appreciates the age of the characters and how she experienced that era of her own life, as well as how 13: The Musical connects to her musical theater experience.

“As you can read in more detail in my director’s note in our production’ Playbill, 13: The Musical was not only the first Broadway soundtrack I ever listened to but also one of the first shows in which I performed a leading role,” Lauria said.

Musical numbers such as “Terminal Illness” and “What it Means to Be a Friend” were approached with utmost respect to the messages they expressed while also staying true to the comedic nature of the show, which speaks to Lauria’s prudence as a director.

“As the director of 13: The Musical, my greatest goal throughout this process has been to approach the story with the utmost accuracy, authenticity and com -

passion,” Lauria said. “I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

Tickets for 13: The Musical can be found on the Mullen Cen

ter’s website.

Love On Lancaster: Choremance

Trader Joe’s

If this generation of love-obsessed teenagers and 20-somethings is well-versed in anything, it’s love languages. Physical touch, words of affirmation. Give me something new. Something original. For those of you who feel unrecognized by these rigid, obsolete categorizations of how one should express and derive love, this week’s column is for you. Not a great gift-giver? Don’t panic. Not a fan of cuddling? There’s still hope for you. The newest, trendiest and most exciting love language is on the market: chore sharing. While some may accuse me of rebranding quality time, doing chores together deserves a distinct category of its own. This isn’t an elegant time spent over a candlelit dinner, long walks in the park or even coffee runs on a Sunday morning. This is going to the dentist together. This is morally supporting one another in Trader Joe’s at peak hours. This is filling up gas. This is going to the DMV to get your real ID. This is real, true love. We call this one: The Choremance.

As I aim to provide more than just sentimental stories about my doting mother and wonderful friends (as touching as they are), I am coming to you this week with some real, concrete advice. If you are looking to express love in a new way, or assessing the potential bounds of your current relationships, listen up. Take notes, maybe. Here are three places you can get your chore on:

I was not kidding about this. Since the start of this semester, my roommates and I have attempted a massive Sunday morning grocery trip to Trader Joe’s. The days preceding are spent making a detailed list inspired by meal ideas we saw on Instagram reels. This endeavor that we embark on together is not one of pleasure. The closest thing I can equate it to is battle. If you have ever been to the Suburban Square Trader Joe’s in Ardmore, PA, you know this is far from an exaggeration. The aisles are jammed with red carts. Vicious drivers weave their way through the display shelves of themed snacks. Employees are either frantically restocking produce or physically ushering customers into checkout lines, grasping to maintain a semblance of civility. Every week, as we enter through those glorious sliding doors, clutching our grocery lists in sweaty hands, we give a final salute to each other. We will meet again on the other side. This is a form of love language so intimate it can only be expressed between partners or friends who deeply, truly love one another. Have you made it to the Trader Joe’s stage of your relationship?

Dobbin Hall Mailroom Pickup

Picture this: waking up in the morning to the sweet, sweet notification from packages@villanova. sclintra.com. Your package has arrived. Is it your new formal dress? A Christmas care package from mom and dad? Maybe even the new pair of Hoka tennis shoes you desperately

need to train for the Philly half? But alas, your package wasn’t delivered to the centrally located lockers in Falvey Library. They are awaiting your arrival at Dobbin Hall Mailroom. Making the trek with your lovely boyfriend or loyal bff is the ultimate expression of care, especially in the 15-degree weather of Philadelphia. This is a task absolutely nobody wants to do, and certainly not for their own benefit. But love, my friends, means making this journey. Love means doing this chore with a smile on your face. So next time you get that notification, pose the question: “Who wants to walk with me to Dobbin?” The yesses come from your besties, future spouses and certainly your loved ones.

Washer & Dryer War

There is nothing that says love more than doing laundry together. When I think about my days of fighting for a washer and dryer with agony, I shudder. Reaching the end of the week, with no clean clothes and venturing down the Delurey

Hall stairs with mounds of laundry only to find every single washer occupied, was too much to bear. There is only one solution: the stakeout. Grab your buddy, or the “maybe more than that”, talking stage partner, and prepare for war. Yes, I am that girl who will pull your clean clothes out of the washer after five minutes. I make no apologies. If they can commit to this chore, or you find yourself offering to do the same, you’re more than just friends. (No man has ever done this for me, but I’m sure it would feel great and validating.)

You don’t need to buy an extravagant gift to show your love. Lord knows we can’t afford to in this economy anyway. The point is: loving or being loved can be as simple as shoveling off your sister’s driveway, accompanying your boyfriend to his teeth cleaning or buckling down and cleaning the toilets with your roommates. Love can be glamorous, but it can also be everyday sentiments expressed through companionship in unavoidable and dreaded tasks. Don’t neglect your choremance.

A Place Of Refuge And Rest: Daily Rosary, Mass And Dinner

Evan Lombardo Staff Writer

Amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily commitments, where do we find refuge? Where, when and how do we take the time to focus on what really matters most to us? A growing community of Catholic students on campus has found its answer through daily Rosary and Mass, followed by dinner together.

“[This group is] really the trifecta of Catholic living, which consists of devotion, liturgy, and community,” senior Benny Caiola said.

Led by the Villanova Knights of Columbus, Rosary begins each day at 5 p.m., either in the Grotto or in Corr Chapel.

“The Knights are committed to ensuring Rosary and post-Mass dinner is held every day, even when it means a Knight praying alone on busy days, so that Villanovans always have a quiet, welcoming place to find friendship and communion with Our Lady, Jesus in the Eucharist, and the entire Catholic community,” senior and Grand Knight Hunter Paulson said.

This is followed immediately by 5:30 p.m. daily Mass, which is presided over by one of five Augustinian friars: Frs. Jeremy Hiers, Francis Caponi, David Cregan, Joe Calderone or Joe Ryan. Their goal is always to provide this refuge to students as an opportunity to find higher meaning and context to their daily lives.

“[Daily Mass is a] wonderful

Anna Lonski Staff Writer

Villanova’s Got Talent, Villanova’s first schoolwide talent show, will take place at the Mullen Center on April 26. Hosted by the VUnited Scholars, the event is an opportunity for students to celebrate and display their talents.

Molly Shawhan, director of VUnited Scholars, and Deborah Harris, assistant director of VUnited Scholars, are already getting ready for the event. Held in the style of America’s Got Talent, with “celebrity” judges like Alicia Vitarelli, Jay Wright and Father Peter, the show will be an unforgettable night.

way of balancing out the rigor of academia with a moment to peacefully experience the human soul,” Fr. Cregan said. “[It gives] our students a sense of meaning and purpose, as well as a refuge from the expectations of success that our world imposes upon us all. It helps them to realize that the goodness of God is the greatest success of our lives.”

Seeing God as central to their lives, Catholic students find that the daily Rosary and Mass are a way for them to develop their identity.

“They receive grace from the Word and sacrament, which helps

deepen their personal relationship with Jesus Christ,” Fr. Ryan said. “The 5:30 p.m. Mass provides a small community experience, in which students share their faith with each other and with me. They take that faith beyond Corr Chapel when they share a meal after Mass.”

After being fed spiritually, students then walk to Doherty Hall (Pit) to share a meal. The simple act of eating and talking together is something that builds strong connections among students. Conversations have ranged from deep theological discussions to whether snowball fights

should be an Olympic sport.

“As a freshman, I met upperclassmen who were spiritual mentors to me and helped in avoiding the common pitfalls of freshman year,” Paulson shared. “Unlike other clubs, these men and women truly desired my good. No hazing, no steep requirements, no status symbols, just genuine friendship rooted in Christ.”

This combination of prayer, worship, and community is a way for Catholic students to emulate each of the elements of the Catholic life.

“The daily practice of praying the Rosary, going to Mass, and then sharing meals together is perhaps the best witness of Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas I see on campus,” Fr. Hiers said. “As we hear God’s Word and share Eucharist, we unite around the ultimate source of all Truth, and are then sent to live that truth in our daily lives on campus.”

As the season of Lent is upon us, we may contemplate where our refuge is, or more importantly, in whom.

“They are free to attend Mass or not,” Fr. Caponi explained. “No one is looking over their shoulder. No university requirements are fulfilled. It is not the sort of thing that brightens a LinkedIn profile or impresses recruiters. Rather, as adults, they freely choose to make Jesus Christ a priority in their time at Villanova.”

In doing so, this group has created a small but powerful community on campus that is rooted in both their truest values and the values we all hold as Villanovans.

Villanova’s Got Talent: Do You?

With the help of popular alumnus Noel B. Doherty, the event will be hosted by a student in the VUnited program: freshman student Hunter Ivery. While this is his first time working an event of this magnitude, he’s excited. Getting the opportunity to host VGT is a special opportunity for him.

“It’s good for people who struggled in high school with autism or neurodiversity, as not that many people get recognized for it or get help for it,” Ivery shared. “I think that the program is great for everybody.”

“[This idea] actually stemmed from an idea back in 2020 with the opening of the Mullen Center,” Shawhan said. “They wanted to have a campus-wide talent showcase. And then years later, we thought it would be great if we could.”

The showcase is intertwined not only with the values of Villanova but also with those of the VUnited program.

“Our program really focuses on the strengths of our students, so we thought it’d be awesome if we could showcase all of Villanova’s strengths and talents and unique and diverse abilities in so many ways,” Shawhan shared.

For the last four years, the VUnited program has been dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for students of all neurodiverse abilities, and through that, creating opportunity.

One of the biggest obstacles throughout the process of planning so far has been gaining exposure. Whether it’s adding VGT stickers on Holy Grounds coffee cups, gathering student ambassadors or connecting with student organizations, VUnited has made strides to make sure Villanova’s Got Talent is talked about. The student ambassadors have been instrumental in this area, working to generate social media engagement and general excitement on campus.

“I became a Villanova’s Got Talent ambassador because I love creating opportunities that bring the campus community together and give students a platform to share their passions,” sophomore Elizabeth Howard said. “VGT celebrates the creativity and passion of Villanova, and I’m excited to help showcase talents from our community.”

The VUnited scholars hope to one day make Villanova’s Got Talent not only an annual event, but also a crucial and unforgettable Villanova tradition. The show is a special opportunity for special students, and

Shawhan and Harris know how vital the participants are to the show. They urge students to display their talents. Submissions are due by

March 2. To be considered for the show, one has to submit a three-minute performance of the talent they expect to display.

Emma Cote Abroad Correspondent

I spent this past Valentine’s Day in Budapest, Hungary. While I was in the city for only 48 hours, the way the capital wore its heart on its sleeve deeply resonated with me throughout the weekend.

After landing on Friday afternoon, my group made its way to the port of the capital to cruise on the Danube and familiarize ourselves with the city skyline. This gave us the chance to take in the grandeur of the Hungarian Parliament building at night, an architectural feat that left quite an impression.

Our sightseeing the next morning revealed that astonishing structural spectacles were practically around every corner. The puzzling staircases, myriad of statues and colorful rooftop peaks that Fisherman’s Bastion showcased gave way to the best view of the city.

The blend of Gothic, Neoclassical and Renaissance influences displayed by the capital’s architecture serves as a means of reflecting on the uniquely rich culture of the city.

Moreover, Budapest’s robust commitment to historic preservation was incredibly moving.

As is the case anywhere, this history is not unblemished. Regardless, the capital wears its past like an heirloom, preserving it and carving it into its collective memory as a responsibility.

The House of Terror muse-

Unpacked: Heart Of Hungary

um is undoubtedly the most poignant museum I have ever had the privilege of walking through. Positioned along the historically bustling Andrássy Avenue, the building once served as a place in which so many were interrogated, tortured and killed at the hands of both the Arrow Cross Party as well as the secret police of the communist regime, the State Protection Authority (ÁVH).

Inside its walls, I made my way through intensely moving exhibits that featured hundreds of oral history accounts of the darkness that

consumed the city under both the fascist and communist regimes.

Even the building itself was renovated and redesigned to sharply contrast with others along Andrassy, again in an effort to draw focus to the historical sight as well as to tangibly memorialize the many who lost their lives under the oppressive systems.

Historical monuments are scattered throughout the city, and you can’t cross a street without paying homage to architectural heritage. This is a city of trailblazers, preservationists and architects committed to paying

tribute to all who came before them. Hungary is home to the “first cracks” of the Berlin Wall. The country notably lifted travel restrictions and suspended its border for three days, allowing many East Germans to flee to Austria in 1989, ultimately ending with the collapse of the Berlin Wall.

This turning point elucidates the political activity that permeates the capital. This is a place in which ordinary citizens have overcome years of darkness through sacrifice, and resilience is on display for all to remember.

This dedication and thoughtfulness can be found in the cuisine, too. After a tiresome day of exploration, we settled at a local restaurant to try goulash, chicken paprikash and noodles.

Certain meals can warm an entire table, and this dinner was certainly one of those instances. Live music and Hungarian folk dancing during this time made it an unforgettable and interactive experience. Admittedly, I came to Budapest with entirely fresh eyes and limited plans beyond some sightseeing. I can now safely say this is one of the best cities I have ever visited.

Budapest has a distinctive familial attitude, and graciously welcomes visitors from all over to learn, explore and love.

Next week, I will be writing from Edinburgh, Scotland.

Until then, Emma

Villanova Track & Field Sets Records Across The Country

Genna Cottingham Sports Columnist

On Friday, Feb. 13, senior Marco Langon broke his own school record with a 7:34.00 tumble at the finish in the 3000 meters. Langon’s new time earns him the No.1 mark for the 3000 meters in the NCAA this season and makes him the third fastest collegiate runner in the indoor event.

“You’re exerting your body to its highest potential, and after leading the entire race essentially, it takes a lot more energy,” Langon said. “ I don’t really give a f*** what people have to say about what I did or did not do, but it’s kind of just you do anything you can for the win.”

People are speculating that Langon intentionally impeded the UNC runner’s path to the finish line.

Last month, Langon recorded a 7:34.56 in the same event at the New Balance Grand Prix in Boston, but his time did not qualify him for the NCAA Indoor Championships. He was the only collegiate athlete, aside from Oregon runner Silan Ayyildiz, to compete amongst professionals. In his return to Boston at the David Hemery Valentine’s Invite, Langon finally put up a qualifying time in the 3K.

“He was supposed to run the mile, but he needed to run the 3K to get a qualifying time,” men’s head coach Marcus O’Sullivan said. “It’s a very slight, two-sentence rule in the by-laws to make it technically qualifying.”

Langon was not the only Wildcat to break a school record this weekend. Three members of the women’s track and field team set new marks for Villanova at the Husky Classic in Seattle, WA.

On Friday night, the women’s distance medley relay earned fifth place with a time of 10:49.98. During the middle two legs, junior Olivia Allen and graduate Lizzie Martell broke school records in the 400 meters and 800 meters, respectively.

Sophomore Bella Walsh kicked off the relay, finishing the1200meter in 3:20.02. Next, Allen ran the relay’s 400-meter portion in a record-breaking 52.5. During the third leg, Martell earned a 2:01.7 finish in the 800-meter, marking the fastest split of the DMR since Debbie Grant in 1987. Junior Tilly O’Connor closed the race, finishing at 4:32.2 in the relay’s final 1600-meter portion.

“Just the legacy of the program, having your own coach be on

a school record-holding team, like it’s kind of the culture and the standard,” Martell said. “ I think it’d be really fun to have the same team get another opportunity to run it. I feel like we have a lot of potential with our DMR team right now.”

Martell and Allen achieved two more school records in their respective individual events. Martell recorded a 2:01.70 in the indoor 800-meter open and reached a new personal best. She broke the previous 800-meter record set by Siofra Cleirigh Buttner in 2:02.46 back in 2018. Allen crossed the finish line at 53.69 in the 400 meter race to break a 37-yearold Villanova record, formerly set by Michelle Bennett in 54.11.

In Boston, junior C.J. Sullivan and Sophomore Ben Thomas went sub 4 in the same heat with times of 3:57.19 and 3:58.48, respectively. The two personal bests landed the pair at 50th and 51st members of Villanova’s sub-four-club. Twenty-five of the 51

members are under the leadership of Coach O’Sullivan. A shrine in his office commemorates all of those runners.

“[Thomas] should’ve been doing and can do it and did it,” O’Sullivan said. “He’s getting more wins and getting more confident. I have three photographs I need to work on, Sean Donoahue included.”

Junior Dan Watcke finished second in the 800-meter invite at BU. With a time of 1:46.79, he finished first in his heat. The first-place overall winner was Virginia’s Tyler Edson, who recorded a time just 0.3 seconds faster than Watke. Sophomore Charlie Moore broke eight minutes in the 3K with a new personal best of 7:59.53.

At the Indoor Pre-Nationals in Virginia Beach, the Wildcats took first, second and third place in the 800 meter women’s race. Front-runner freshman Gabby Pistner put up a season best of 2:11.66. Coming in second and third were the junior duo of Caelen O’Leary and Therese Trainer, finishing at 2:12.25 and 2:13.52.

Senior Kinsey Pogue finished first place in the mile at 5:08.64.

Junior Ethan Walls ran a 48.81 in the 400-meter race in Virginia as well, marking a season best.

Villanova track and field will have a weekend off from competition. The Wildcats will return for the Big East Championships in Chicago, IL. Events will kick off on Friday, Feb. 27, at the Dr. Conrad Worrill Indoor Track and Field Center and will be streamed on ESPN+.

Waterpolo Sweeps Bucknell Invitational

Noah Okenquist Staff Writer

This weekend, the Villanova women’s water polo team swept the Bucknell Invite, going 3-0 while on the road in Lewisburg, PA.

The sweep gives the Wildcats (7-4) their longest win streak of the season of 3 games, after defeating Occidental College (0-7), Saint Francis University (2-4) and Siena College (3-6).

In Villanova’s first matchup of the weekend, the ‘Cats defeated Occidental, 25-8. The 25 goal performance marked a season-high in goals scored, falling only one short of the program-best of 26 points against Penn State Behrend in February 2019.

Senior center Ella Mattocks led the team with six goals. Sophomore attacker Riley Hull followed, scoring 4 goals, which pushed her past the 100 career goals mark.

Head coach Michael Gordon described Hull as a “fireplug,” saying how other teams will adjust their gameplans around her.

Freshman center Annika Wise, junior attacker Emmie Mallory, and freshman utility Tessa Pettit scored three goals a piece. Junior attacker Tippy Maguire and senior attacker Anna Painter scored 2 goals each. Senior attacker Isabel Foley completed the scorers circle with one goal.

The Wildcats got off to a hot start, leading 16-3 by the end of the first half.

Coming out of halftime, the team kept momentum, outscoring the Tigers, 9-5, in the second half for a final score of 25-8.

Defensively, Villanova collected 17 steals, marking the highest number of steals this season.

“They didn’t have good shots; we just kept tipping them away,” Gordon said. “The defensive stops will keep turning into offensive opportunities.”

The Wildcats also tallied 21 assists against Occidental, totalling 46 points earned in the game. The 46 points set a new record for points earned in a game. Previously, the highest number of points that the Wildcats had earned in a single game was 44.

Following the morning match, Villanova faced St.Francis in the eve-

ning of Feb. 14, where it defeated the Red Flash, 16-11.

Hull and sophomore attacker Layla Canales rallied the offensive effort, scoring four goals each. Painter followed, tallying three goals against St. Francis.

Following the game’s swimoff, St. Francis took control, outscoring the Wildcats, 8-4, in the first half.

The Wildcats found momentum in the second half, scoring 7 goals in the third quarter to take the lead, 11-10.

Villanova found five more goals before the final whistle, ending the game, 16-11.

“We came out flat on defense,” Gordon said. “I was really glad we stopped the bleeding in the first half. If they kept that momentum it would’ve been nearly impossible to catch up to them.”

The Wildcats won their final match of the invite on Sunday, Feb.

15, defeating Siena College, 17-12. Mallory led the Wildcats with five goals, followed by Canales and Hull, who both scored four. Mattocks tallied two goals and senior utility Sara Withers and Pettit closed the scoresheet, scoring one goal each. The game started slow for Villanova as it went down 6-1, before scoring twice in the final minute of the first quarter, bringing the game to, 6-3.

In the second quarter, Villanova found the equalizer, ending the half, 9-9.

Villanova brought an offensive onslaught in the second half, outscoring Siena 8-3.

When asked about the difference throughout the game, Gordon emphasized “staying levelheaded” and “showing resilience” against these teams that he knows the Wildcats can beat.

Villanova will take on No.15 Princeton University (9-0), returning to the Villanova Swim Complex on Thursday Feb. 19.

“Good teams will eat up our mistakes, and we need to put the pressure on them defensively,” Gordon said about the team’s upcoming game against Princeton. “[We need] to come out tough and match their physicality.”

Thursday’s game will be the teams’ first meeting in two years. In their last face off, the Tigers defeated the Wildcats, 18-7. Swim-off is set for 7 p.m.

Men’s Tennis Falls To Navy And George Mason

Mason Canton Staff Writer

Villanova men’s tennis fell, 6–1, to Navy on Saturday and 6–1 to George Mason on Sunday. The Wildcats are 2–4 overall this season.

Villanova opened the weekend in Annapolis, MD against Navy. The Midshipmen took an early lead by claiming the doubles point with victories at the No. 1 and No. 2 positions. Villanova earned its lone doubles win at No. 3, where sophomores Quincy Jones and Jack Sherner secured a 6–4 victory.

“We played well and our preparation was good,” coach Brad Adams said. “But we came up short in doubles. We need to work on our recovery after losing the first set. It’s more of a mentality thing than physical. Our goal should be “that it’s only one point” and that we have more competition ahead, it’s not a “death blow”.”

In singles play, Navy captured five of the six matches to seal the team victory.

“In singles we’re doing excellent with rallies that are deeper in the court,” Adams said. “We need to extend opponents with a midrange shot that gets them outside of the singles sidelines.”

Thomas Wakefield provided the Wildcats’ only point of the afternoon with a strong 6–0, 6–3

win on court No. 5. Sophomore Cameron Kruep pushed his match to a second-set tiebreak before falling 6–3, 7–6 (7–4), while Jones, senior Cooper Gordon, junior Will Monahan and junior Ethan Carr were each defeated in straight sets.

Villanova then played against George Mason but lost, 6-1.

“I’m pleased with how we’re striking the ball,” Adams said. “But we’re putting ourselves in tough situations and giving away free points.”

George Mason won the doubles point with wins at the No. 1 and No. 2 positions to take an early lead.

The Patriots went on to claim five of the six singles match -

es to secure the victory. Carr registered the Wildcats’ only point, earning a 7–6, 6–4 win at the No. 4 position. Gordon battled in a competitive three-set match at No. 1 singles before falling 4–6, 6–3, 11–9.

Jones and Wakefield were defeated in straight sets at No. 2 and No. 3, while junior Kush Anand and Kruep dropped close matches at courts No. 5 and No. 6.

“For Colgate, priority number one is playing better in doubles,” Adams said. “We need all 3 to come out to a fast start, get first break and capitalize.”

The Wildcats will look to bounce back on Saturday, Feb. 21, when they will play Colgate. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Women’s Tennis Goes 1-1 Over Weekend

Sophia Cratty Staff Writer

On Saturday, Feb. 14, Villanovas women’s tennis earned a 4-3 victory over Bucknell and suffered a 6-1 loss the next day against the United States Naval Academy (7-4) in Annapolis, Maryland, MD.

On Feb. 14, Villanova (45, 1-0 Big East) stole the doubles point. Seniors Emi Callahan and Maggie Gehrig took home a 6-3 win on court No. 1.

Juniors Lauren Monti and Jenna Stevens followed up with a 6-2 win on the second doubles court, securing the opening point.

In singles, the Wildcats won three matches to secure the result. On court No. 3, Junior Miriam Gondorova earned a 6-3, 6-1 win. Monti, with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-0 victory at No. 5, added another point, and finally Gehrig, on court No. 2, clinched the match. She played a 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 match, coming back from a deficit.

While the team won, head coach Steve Reiniger noted that the score was closer than anticipated. He was glad to have secured the doubles point, which the team was not able to do last weekend against Seton Hall or Lehigh.

“It was a little tighter than expected,” Reiniger said. “They persevered. We got the doubles point, which was obviously important. The courts were fast, so there was a little adjusting. But for the most part, we didn’t play our best, but we got the win.”

The victory in the doubles round against Bucknell was an improvement from last weekend. In the week leading up to the matches, the team tried new doubles pairings at courts No. 2 and No. 3.

“We tried different double combinations,” Reiniger said. “At No. 1, we’ve been playing really well. At two and three, we were struggling a little bit, so we tried different combinations, and they seem to be working.”

On Feb. 15, the team fell,

WEEKLY SCOREBOARD

Feb. 11 - Feb. 17

Wednesday, February 11

Women’s Basketball @ Xavier 78-38 W

Friday, February 13 Baseball @ FIU 7-4 W

Softball vs. Virgina Tech 3-7 L

Softball @ Charlotte 0-11 L

Men’s Track @ Pre-Nationals no team scoring

Women’s Track @ Pre-Nationals no team scoring

Saturday, February 14

Men’s Basketball @ Creighton 80-69 W

Baseball @ FIU 3-13 L

Water Polo vs. Occidental 25-8 W

Water Polo vs. Saint Francis 16-11 W

Softball vs. Virginia Tech 3-11 L

Softball vs. Michigan State 8-9 L

Women’s Lacrosse @ Navy 5-18 L

Women’s Track @ Tyson Invite no team scoring

Men’s Track @ Pre-Nationals no team scoring

Women’s Tennis @ Bucknell 4-3 W

Men’s Tennis @ Navy 1-6 L

Men’s Lacrosse vs. St. Joseph’s 9-11 L

Sunday, February 15

Women’s Basketball @ Creighton 74-64 W

Men’s Tennis @ George Mason 1-6 L

Women’s Tennis @ Navy 1-6 L

Water Polo vs. Siena 17-12 W

Baseball @ FIU 3-4 L

Tuesday, February 17

Women’s Lacrosse vs. St. Joseph’s 13-9 W

Men’s Basketball @ Xavier 92-89 W

Sophomore Olivia Corcoran lost her match against Navy on the first court. Reiniger noted that she battled an exhaustive three-set match and has been performing well so far this season.

6-,1 to Navy. Freshman Alina Kornyeva won the team’s only point on the sixth court in the singles round.

“The Navy is very strong,” Reiniger said. “That’s a really good team, and I think they’re actually better than they were last year. I wasn’t disappointed. I thought the singles were very good. Alina Kornyeva, a freshman, was the only person to win her singles match at number six singles.”

“Our No. 1 player, Olivia Corcoran, has been playing well, just not getting the results,” Reiniger said. “I mean, at No. 1 it’s tough. Even [on Sunday], she had to play a tie-breaker for the third set. Her two sets took longer than Jenna Stevens’ three sets did. So she played a tie-breaker to decide the third set. Even though her win-loss record doesn’t look great, her performance has been really good, so I’m pleased with that.” Villanova will host Colgate (1-4, 0-1 Patriot League) on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Villanova Tennis Complex at 6 p.m.

Wildcat Watch: From The 916 To The Main Line

Genna Cottingham Sports Columnist

Since transferring to Villanova under the new leadership of Kevin Willard, fifth-year guard Devin Askew has proven himself to be a top conference player. Askew is not only new to the Big East, but the entire East Coast in general, even though his first college offer was from St. John’s back in 2020.

Coming from Sacramento, CA. Askew formerly played in four conferences, including the Southeastern Conference and the Big 12. He has played at five schools in six years, including Kentucky, Texas, UC Berkley, Long Beach State and now Villanova. However, his California roots, specifically the 916 area code region are where Askew’s love for the game developed.

“I had no clue in middle school if I would ever play collegiate basketball,” Askew said. ”I wasn’t always the best player. I was a Sacramento kid, not a lot of kids from Sacramento kind of played high-level collegiate basketball.”

Askew started playing on a team when he was nine years old. His uncle took the initiative to start an AAU team specifically for Askew and his friends. The team was called the “916 Select,” and soon took over the middle school basketball scene throughout Sacramento. From there, “916 Select” went on to compete in Southern California and then began to cross state lines for tournaments.

Askew and his friends were playing for fun, but soon realized that their competitiveness could take them further than expected. Askew ended up playing for the Oakland Soldiers and the San Diego Select in AAU competition, as well. During his time at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, CA, Askew was named captain and averaged 16.7 points per game. He was ranked the No. 26 overall recruit by ESPN in 2020.

His first collegiate visit was to Kentucky, where he fell in love with its NCAA tournament reputation under the stellar leadership of John Calipari.

“I was supposed to come on a visit coming out of high school here when Jay Wright was here,” Askew said. “But I went on my Kentucky visit and then canceled the rest of my visits.”

Askew has an older brother, B.J., and a younger brother, Jordan. Jordan currently plays basketball and is looking to play in college, but is not interested in the level that his older brother competes at. Askew’s family

helped him through the struggles of transitioning to college during a global pandemic.

“That was just a rough year mentally for everyone quarantined,” Askew said. “Just that whole process of not being able to see family, didn’t really see my teammates as much as I like to get a great bond.”

Askew transferred to Texas and played in 34 games during the 2021-2022 season. The head coach of the Longhorns at the time, Chris Beard, was fired in January 2023 following a felony domestic assault charge. The fourth stop of his collegiate career was his homecoming to California Berkley.

Askew suffered two injuries during his time as a Bear. With a herniated disc and a tear in his fascia tendon in the bottom of his foot, Askew realized his need for another change of environment. He ultimately graduated from UC Berkeley, but still had two years of eligibility due to injury and COVID.

“A lot of people started really doubting me, not knowing if I’d

ever be healthy again,” Askew said. “Questioning if I would ever be good at basketball again. There wasn’t a lot of interest in me as a player. So, my next step was to just play basketball and show my experience.”

After much-needed reflection, the 6-foot-5 guard transferred to Long Beach State, a Division I school that competes in the Big West Conference. During his time at Long Beach, Askew started in 32 games, averaging nearly 19 points per game. Back in April, he entered the transfer portal once more and caught the eye of Willard.

“Devin is a talented and experienced guard that gives us versatility both on and off the ball as well as veteran leadership,” Willard told Villanova Athletics. “Devin has played for some great coaches in his college career, so he understands what it takes to compete at the highest level in big-time college basketball.”

In November 2025, Askew established himself as a key player for the Wildcats.

“I love Dev coming off the bench. It’s really good security,” Willard said.

Askew’s season high of 27 points came mid-November against Sacred Heart, when he sank seven three-pointers. Last month, he played 31 minutes and scored 31 points against St. John’s.

Askew has adjusted well so far to playing basketball in the Big East Conference, and is prepared for the final few weeks of his collegiate career, culminating at Nova Nation.

Game Preview: Men’s Basketball To Take On UConn

Mason Canton Staff Writer

Villanova (20-5, 11-3 Big East) will return to the Xfinity Mobile Arena this Saturday, Feb. 21, to host a key Big East matchup against the No. 5 University of Connecticut (24-2, 14-2 Big East). After a hard-fought battle in Storrs, CT earlier this season that resulted in a 75–67 overtime loss for the Wildcats, both teams will be looking for a win heading into the Big East Tournament.

Villanova enters the weekend on a five-game winning streak and defeated Creighton, 80–69, on Saturday with the help of big performances from graduate forward Duke Brennan and senior guard Tyler Perkins. The Wildcats have shown growth on both ends of the floor, and have improved their defensive intensity and offensive balance as they continue their push in Big East play.

Senior leadership and balanced scoring have been key to the Wildcats’ success this season. Brennan’s consistent production in the post, combined with perimeter contributions from guards such as Devin Askew, has given coach Kevin Willard multiple scoring options. Maintaining that balance while tightening up late-game execution will be crucial as Villanova seeks revenge for its earlier meeting with UConn.

The Huskies remain a national powerhouse and a consistent title contender, boast one of

the best records in the country and have a lengthy winning streak in conference play. In its last outing, UConn survived a tough test from Georgetown and won, 79–75, as junior guard Solo Ball led the way with 20 points.

Under coach Dan Hurley, UConn’s combination of veteran leadership, stifling defense and explosive scoring has kept them atop the Big East standings. Alex Karaban’s recent achievements, including becoming the program’s all-time player with the most wins, highlight the stability and experience that make the Huskies such a difficult matchup.

UConn is first in the Big East standings, and Villanova is in third place behind St. John’s. The Huskies have been averaging 79.3 points per game and a 49% field goal percentage. Ball leads the team in scoring, averaging 14.7 per game.

The January meeting between these two squads went to overtime, with UConn ultimately prevailing. Villanova will be looking to flip that result on its home court by emphasizing better execution in the final minutes and avoiding the shooting issues that plagued them in Storrs.

Both teams are trying to secure good seeds in the Big East Tournament.

Key players such as Brennan and Perkins will need to continue their strong play, and stopping UConn scorers such as Ball and Karaban will be vital if Villanova hopes to pull off the win.

UConn currently leads the

all-time series, 35-23. That puts it on a three-game win streak with Villanova’s last win over the Huskies being last season on Jan. 8 at the Finneran Pavilion.

Wildcats won, 68-66. The matchup is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21, at 5:30 p.m. at the

and

Softball Suffers Four Losses At Charlotte Invitational

Eliza O’Neil Staff Writer

Villanova softball competed in the Charlotte Invitational from Feb. 13 to Feb. 15. The ‘Cats faced Virginia Tech, Charlotte and Michigan State. The Wildcats lost all four of their games, extending their season-opening losing streak to 10 games.

The Wildcats began the tournament on Friday, Feb. 13, against Virginia Tech, and suffered a 7-3 loss. Villanova freshman pitcher Maggie King pitched five innings, and freshman Carly Zych later came in for relief.

“I think it’s just great for our girls to have that experience,” said head coach Bridget Orchard. “To play Virginia Tech, a top 25 team. It’s hard to take the losses, but I think we’re getting better every time.”

In the fifth inning, senior second baseman Lilly St. Jean hit a two-run home run, the tenth of her Villanova career, to get the ‘Cats on the scoreboard.

In the bottom of the seventh, freshman infielder Katie Reed posted her first RBI of her Villanova career to score senior outfielder Madison Ostrowski. This brought the score to its final of 7-3.

On Friday afternoon, the Wildcats played Charlotte in a five-inning game and lost, 11-0. Senior pitcher Kat Gallant pitched

the majority of the game before being relieved by sophomore pitcher Lexi Kobryn.

At the beginning of the game, Villanova loaded the bases off of three walks but did not manage to score a run. In the top of the third, the ‘Cats loaded the bases again but once again did not score.

Charlotte won the runruled game by scoring three runs in the final two innings.

“We definitely got better as the weekend got on, we hit some more home runs, we scored more runs,” said Orchard. “I think that was big for our hitters just to start seeing the ball.”

On Saturday, Feb. 14, the ‘Cats played Virginia Tech again. Kobryn started four innings, walking two and giving up seven runs. The final score was 11-3.

Villanova got the first runs in the top of the second inning. Ju -

nior outfielder Elizabeth Gray and senior second baseman Maddie Burrows both hit singles, allowing sophomore catcher Ava Mahnken and freshman second baseman Aubrey Police to score.

On Saturday afternoon, the ‘Cats lost to Michigan State, 9-8. King started again, and pitched two innings during which she walked two and gave up two runs on four hits.

Losing 2-0 in the third inning, the Wildcats tied the game on junior pitcher Maranda Runco and sophomore infielder Jaclyn Morra’s RBI singles.

In the top of the fifth, Reed hit a grand slam, giving Villanova its first lead of the tournament.

Michigan St. led again in the bottom of the sixth, when St. Jean hit a two-run home run to make the score, 9-8.

“This is what’s going to help us get ready, come spring,” said Orchard. “It’s tough when we’re going through right now. But in the end, it does help us. It gets better, we’re learning.”

The final game on Sunday, Feb. 15, against Charlotte was cancelled due to foul weather.

The Wildcats will travel to Boca Raton, Florida, next weekend to compete in the FAU Paradise Classic against Massachusetts, Kansas, Florida Atlantic and Southern Indiana. The tournament is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 20. It will be streamed on ESPN+.

Men’s Basketball Tops Xavier In Overtime, 92-89

Sammie McKee Co-Sports Editor

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, Villanova men’s basketball defeated Xavier University, 92-89, while on the road in Cincinnati, OH.

The win is the Wildcat’s (21-5, 12-3 Big East) 21st win of the season, extending them to a six game win streak and a 7-1 Big East record on the road.

“This group works hard, and they’re a fun group to be around,” head coach Kevin Willard said. “I think they like being together on the road, and that shows.”

Senior forward Duke Brennan earned his twelfth double-double of the season with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Brennan’s double-double record for the season falls only two short of Michael Bradley’s (‘01) program record of 14 double-doubles during the 2000-2001 season.

Brennan was among five Wildcats who scored double-digit points.

Freshman guard Acaden Lewis led the Wildcats with 21 points. Junior guard Tyler Perkins followed, scoring 17 points. Redshirt sophomore guard Bryce Lindsay scored 15 points and redshirt freshman Matt Hodge totalled 10 points.

Lindsay’s 15 points mark his best performance in twelve games.

“I’m proud of him,” Lewis said about his teammate Lindsay.

“It’s not easy to go through big slumps like this when you’re playing on national TV and everyone

expects so much of him.”

Graduate forward Tre Caroll led the Musketeers with 28 points and 10 rebounds, tying his season-high in rebounds and earning his second double-double of the season.

Sophomore forward Jovan Milicevic followed for the Musketeers, totaling 20 points and nine rebounds.

The Wildcats went 33-for-75 (44%) on field goal attempts, 12-for34 (35%) on three-pointers and 12for-22 (64%) at the free throw line. In comparison, the Musketeers went 34-for-67 (51%), 10-for-23 (43%) on three pointers and 11-for-13 (85%) at the free throw line.

Following tip-off, the Wildcats struggled offensively.

Xavier (13-3, 5-10 Big East), on the other hand, asserted offensive dominance, scoring five of its first six field goal attempts and one of its two three-point attempts.

Sophomore forward Jovan

Milicevic rallied the Musketeers’ offense, scoring eight of his 12 first half points in the game’s opening minutes.

Midway through the first half, the Wildcats found momentum when redshirt freshman center Braden Pierce, followed by an Askew three-pointer, to help the Wildcats tie the game at18-18.

Shortly after, Villanova found its first lead of the game, continuing a 10 point scoring run over 2:47.

“I thought our bench came in and played really well during that first half,” Willard said. “Our starters have logged a lot of minutes and this pace is tough, and I thought our bench guys did a great job of getting us back in the game.”

With just under three minutes left in the first half, the Wildcats pulled nine points away from Xavier.

The Musketeers managed to chip away at the Villanova lead, before the half ended with a one-point Wildcat advantage of 43-42.

Coming out of halftime, Villanova established control, tallying 15 points in the first five minutes of the second half.

The Musketeers responded, going on a 8-2 run with twelve minutes remaining in the half to keep it a close game.

With just under six minutes left in the game a Milicevic three-pointer gave Xavier the equalizer, 75-75. Then, a Walker layup gave the Musketeers their first lead of the second half, 77-75.

Villanova took the lead again before the final two and a half minutes of the game turned into a back-and-forth battle.

With four seconds remaining, Xavier tied up the score with a layup, 81-81, sending the game to overtime.

In overtime, Villanova maintained control, capitalizing on fouls during a nail biting, 90-89, final 10 seconds to secure a 92-89 victory.

“I think we’re just built for it,” Lewis said about overtime. “We’ve been through the fire..first game of the year was BYU in Las Vegas, so we’re used to it at this point. We’ve been in arenas that are away, loud and have boos…we’re getting really good on the road for that reason.”

Villanova will return back to PA, taking on the No. 5 University of Connecticut (24-2, 14-1 Big East) on Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.

During their last meeting in late January, the teams went to overtime, before the Huskies took a 75-67 win at home. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on TNT and TruTV.

Baseball Falls, 2-1, In Series Against FIU

Noah Okenquist Staff Writer

This past weekend, Villanova baseball kicked off its season, traveling to Miami, FL, from Feb. 13-15, to face Florida International University. The Wildcats took game one, but fell in games two and three, ultimately losing the series.

Game one saw an early lead from FIU, lasting for only one inning, before redshirt sophomore Mark Gialluisi had an RBI double to tie it up.

Villanova took a 2-1 lead in the top of the second and were helped significantly by the dominating start from junior pitcher Jake Francis. He pitched four innings, allowing one earned run on five hits, and later retired eight batters in a row.

In the fifth, FIU threatened to score with the bases loaded, but senior pitcher Bobby Finn allowed only one run in.

With the score tied, 3-3, senior Michael Wooley hit a threerun home run in the eighth, with a sacrifice fly coming later in the inning from graduate Carter Richey to extend the lead to 7-3.

“He can score against pretty much anybody,” head coach Kevin Mulvey said.

After the ‘Cats allowed one more run, senior Graham Moore closed out the victory for the Wildcats.

Men’s

On Saturday, the second game of the series saw the Panthers jump on the Wildcats early. In the first inning, Villanova freshman Jack Roventini got on base and stole second and third. Sophomore Austin Lemon knocked him in.

“Speed kills, and Jack has it,” Mulvey said. “It’s awesome to see, but we certainly expected it from him.”

Richey got on base in the

Lacrosse

Sammie McKee Co-Sports Editor

On Saturday, Feb. 14, Villanova men’s lacrosse fell to St. Joseph’s, 11-9, in its home opener.

Graduate attackman/midfielder Luke Raymond scored a game-high four goals. Junior midfielder Nick Lucchesi registered two goals and one assist.

“I thought Luke Raymond obviously played well,” head coach Michael Corrado said. “He had four goals, and the team faced off a little bit better after the first quarter. So I thought that in those two areas, we did a better job. Defensively, they only scored three goals throughout the game after the first quarter. So the defense played better. It’s a long game, right? We got to trail by two at halftime and then again in the fourth quarter. We just couldn’t get that next goal to cut it down to one.”

The ‘Cats (1-1) totaled 43 shots, with 23 of them on goal. In comparison, St. Joseph’s (1-1) took 34 shots, with 21 on goal.

Sophomore goalkeeper Denis Fargione made 10 saves for the Wildcats in the contest, while senior goalkeeper Tommy Gross made 14 saves for St. Joseph’s. Villanova won nine faceoffs, in comparison to the Hawks’ 14.

St. Joseph’s took an early lead, scoring eight of its 11 total goals in the first period.

“I don’t think [St. Joseph’s]

strikes,” Mulvey said.

Villanova’s bullpen pitched well and held FIU scoreless at the end, with sophomore Matthew Kahn pitching two scoreless innings with four strikeouts. After Kahn, freshman Ryan Conrad made his collegiate debut, pitching a scoreless inning with one hit and one strikeout.

The final game saw an intense matchup with both teams looking to take the series. The teams were scoreless through the first three innings.

Villanova put up a run in the fourth, which FIU matched in the bottom of the inning. In this pitcher’s duel, it wasn’t until the seventh inning that the Panthers broke free and took a one-run lead.

The Wildcats tied it up on an error in the top of the ninth, but junior Jeremiah Holder couldn’t prevent FIU’s Boston Doeschot from hitting a sacrifice fly to center in the bottom of the ninth that won the game.

second, and senior Collin Quintano launched a home run to give Villanova a 3-0 lead.

Between the second and fourth innings, FIU scored 13 runs, two of which were home runs. This concluded both teams’ scoring, as FIU was able to shut down the Wildcats’ offense, finishing the game,13-3.

“We gave the game away because we couldn’t throw any

“We almost won that game. The bullpen was good again. But we have to be able to have the next play mentality and have each other’s backs,” Mulvey said.“We’re definitely confident, and we’re happy with how we responded to Saturday. This is what the nonconference schedule is like. [Lipscomb] is a gritty team.”

Villanova will now travel to Nashville, TN, to play a three-game series against Lipscomb University from Feb. 19-21.

Falls To St. Joseph’s In Home Opener, 9-11

did anything special,” Corrado said. “They just executed. We couldn’t win a face off [at the beginning of the first quarter], and that snowballed on us a little bit.”

half.

During the opening minutes of the second half, St. Joseph’s scored two third-period goals.

The ‘Cats managed to score three goals in the game’s closing period, but fell short.

Looking towards the Wildcats’ upcoming matches, Corrado wants to improve consistency.

“We got outscored in the first quarter, then we outscored them five to nothing in the second quarter,” Corrado said. “They scored a couple to make it 10-6, and then we made it 10-8. Then it got to 11-8, so I think we need to be a little more consistent.”

Villanova will start a stretch of three away games, beginning with a trip to Piscataway, NJ, to take on No. 18 Rutgers (2-1) on Saturday, Feb. 21, before returning to Villanova Stadium on March 8 to face the University of Pennsylvania (0-1) for the Farrell Cup.

“A lot of times we play better away from home than we actually do at home, so we’ll see how it goes,” Corrado said. “It’s still only February, so the goal at this point is to keep getting better, figuring out lineups and identifying what we’re doing well and what we need to work on.”

The ‘Cats scored five goals in the second period, cutting the deficit to 8-6 before halftime.

Raymond rallied the comeback, finding a hat trick in the first

Five Hawks contributed to the offensive effort, with freshman attackman/midfielder Colby Wood, sophomore attackman Will Barber and junior midfielder Tyler Moore each scoring a pair.

This is the team’s first meeting with Rutgers in more than a decade. In their last meeting in 2014, the Wildcats grabbed a 1511 win over the Scarlet Knights. Face-off is set for 1:00 p.m. and will be streamed on B1G+.

Men’s Lacrosse vs. Saint Joseph’s On Feb. 15

In Tom Stoppard's masterpiece, time dances between 1809 and the present at the elegant Coverly estate. In one era, precocious thirteen-year-old Lady Thomasina and her tutor explore revolutionary ideas in mathematics, physics, and romance while the gardens transform from classical to Gothic. Two centuries later, competing scholars piece together a mysterious scandal involving Lord Byron from fragments of the past, unwittingly mirroring the intellectual and romantic pursuits of their predecessors.

On stage February 12-22, 2026

For tickets please visit www.villanovatheatre.org or call the Mullen Center Box Office at 610.519.7474.

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