This past week, Villanova’s volleyball team played three matches, going 2-1. After a clean sweep at the Villanova Classic this past weekend, the team’s record moved to 9-3. The ‘Cats stand tied for second with Georgetown in the Big East before conference play, trailing only Creighton.
Wednesday night, Villanova traveled to play Lehigh in the Leeman-Turner Arena in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The ‘Cats lost in four sets, winning only the second game (23-25, 25-23, 24-26, 20-25).
On Friday, Sept. 15, the Wildcats returned home to face Sacred Heart as a part of the 2023 Villanova Classic. Villanova went 3-0 in straight sets (25-10, 25-17, 25-20). The ‘Cats held a commanding lead till the end.
Freshman outside hitter Abby Harrell registered 15 kills. Senior middle blocker Madeline Barber led the team with three blocks.
“[Harrell] has been one of the reasons that we are much better this year than a year ago,” head coach Josh Steinbach said. “Having someone that could play the whole game really made a difference on the court.”
Sacred Heart freshman setter Gaby Zovko notched 19 assists, but could not match the likes of Villanova’s senior setter Andrea Campos. Campos totaled 32 assists in the match and currently leads the Big East in season total assists. Senior libero/defensive specialist Taryn Wittingham gave the ‘Cats a leg up with 11 digs and two aces.
On Saturday, Sept. 16, Villanova faced Saint Francis in three close sets to end the Villanova Classic. The ‘Cats swept the Red Flash (25-23, 25-20, 25-14), their second sweep of the tournament.
Yet again, Campos led the team with 29 assists overall and a block in the second set. Harrell made her presence known again with 12 digs, nine kills and two aces. Barber matched Harrell’s kill number, while senior middle blocker Kiera Booth led the way with 10.
The only category Villanova fell behind on was aces. Saint Francis accounted for five compared to the ‘Cats’ three. Over the span of the Villanova Classic, the Wildcats never dropped a game.
Looking ahead to next week, Villanova will open up Big East play as it takes on Marquette in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“[We need to] establish ourselves as someone who can hang with the best teams of the Big East,” Steinbach said.
The game is set for Friday, Sept. 22 at 7p.m.
