In their Big East Season opener, Villanova defeated St. John’s 74-65 to improve to 4-0 on the season. 

This was an impressive team win with a balanced contribution as four Wildcats scored in double digits. Sophomore Maddy Siegrist had her fourth consecutive double-double with 19 points and 15 rebounds. 

Senior Sarah Mortensen recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds and Senior Brianna Herlihy contributed 13 points for Villanova. 

Freshman Lior Garzon had 12 points on 4-5 shooting, 2-3 from beyond the arc. Freshman Bella Runyan continued her strong performance tonight with eight points, two rebounds, and three steals. 

Runyan and Garzon have both played crucial minutes for Coach Dillon in these first four games and are expected to continue to have an impact this season. 

Villanova started off slow, trailing 10-4 midway through the first quarter, but Runyan and Herlihy provided the spark the ‘Cats needed. Villanova was able to tie the game at 12 before entering the second quarter. 

The Wildcats made the necessary adjustments in the second and were able to attack the Red Storm’s defense and get better scoring opportunities. Garzon was the star of the second, scoring 10 of her 13 points in this quarter. Villanova led 33-28 heading into halftime. 

The ‘Cats came out even stronger after the half, taking an eleven point lead with seven minutes remaining in the third quarter. Strong defense allowed Villanova to hold the lead entering the fourth. 

The Red Storm, led by Lelani Correa, tried to adjust in the fourth quarter to better defend but Villanova had too many threats on the offensive end. Correa scored 21 points on the night, 11 in the fourth quarter, but this was not enough to overcome the ‘Cats. 

Villanova’s next game is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 9 when they face off at home against the Explorers of LaSalle University. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 P.M.