This past weekend, Villanova’s volleyball team went undefeated in two Big East games at home, beating both Seton Hall and St. John’s. The Wildcats now sit fifth in the Big East standings, with an overall season record of 14-8.

Last Friday, Oct. 21, the Wildcats defeated the Pirates, 3-1, at home. The ‘Cats won in four sets, 25-15, 31-29, 22-25 and 25-15, in front of 1,300 fans. 

The starting six consisted of Elizabeth Feczko, Madeline Barber, Abby Harrell, Andrea Campos, Skylar Gerhardt and Kiera Booth. Harrell, a freshman outside hitter, had 47 assists and 15 kills. Last Friday’s game puts her at 258 kills for the regular season, with a month still left to play. Senior Taryn Whittingham also contributed with 18 digs over the Pirates, while senior hitter Gerhardt gave the ‘Cats 14 kills and two aces to help solidify their victory. 

Prior to the game Friday, ‘Nova and Seton Hall had the same conference record of 3-5, making the victory crucial for the ‘Cats success in the Big East. 

“Obviously, a tiebreaker is a big deal, so to get that win helps a lot,” head coach Josh Steinbach said. 

A day later, on Sunday, Oct. 22, Villanova defeated the No. 1 team in the Big East in four sets, 24-26, 25-22, 25-22 and 25-20. 

Whittingham, the Cats’ libero, had 20 digs, while senior setter Campos had 53 assists and four aces. Senior middle blockers Barber and Booth matched each other with a 12-kill count, and Harrell led her team in kills for the tenth game, racking up 17. 

Villanova knocked St. John’s into the third spot in the conference, with just eight games left of regular season play. 

“The Big East is challenging week to week,” Steinbach said. “Every match is tough. We’ll worry about the Big East final when it comes. It’s a long way away.” 

The Wildcats will take on Georgetown at home on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m.