Villanova picked up their fifth straight win with a 78-52 victory over cross-town rivals La Salle.

Sophomore Maddy Siegrist put up 31 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists for her fifth double-double of the year. Forward Brianna Herlihy added 24 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks in a well-rounded performance. Raven James put in a classic point guard performance with four assists, zero turnovers, and three steals through her relentless defense. Kenzie Gardler came off the bench with the hot hand, shooting a perfect 3-3 from deep and adding 11 points.

The Wildcats got off to a bit of a slow start in the first quarter. Herlihy chipped in eight during the opening quarter, but the Explorers stuck around limiting the ‘Cats to a two-point lead going into the second. Villanova kept up the tight defense during the second quarter as Herlihy counted five blocks at halftime, but La Salle kept the score close at 30-24 at the break. 

Siegrist finished with 12 points in the first half, but the team could not find an offensive rhythm in the first 20 minutes. They shot only 12-37 (32.4%) from the field despite getting open looks.

The ‘Cats exploded in the third quarter, Siegrist leading the way with 14 points and seven rebounds as the team began to hit their open shots. Claire Jacobs led La Salle with 16 points and seven rebounds in the game, but the Explorers had no answer for Siegrist down the stretch. An 11-0 run at the beginning of the third quarter extended the lead to 16 for the Wildcats, but they never let up.

Denise Dillon relied on some different players in the game as senior Sarah Mortenson fouled out in 13 minutes. Sam Carangi and Lior Garzon logged some solid minutes off the bench as Villanova claimed victory in their 50th meeting with La Salle.

Villanova looks to defend their undefeated record at home against Drexel this Sunday, Dec. 13, tip-off is set for 1 P.M.