Villanova women’s basketball team opened its season Wednesday by blowing out visiting Rider, 70-37.

Sophomore forward Maddy Siegrist was one of two players scoring in the double digits, with 28 points, going 13-of-19. Siegrist was named to the preseason All-Big East list and the Katrina McClain watchlist for her stellar performance last season. 

The Wildcats were able to take control of the game quickly and held an 11-point lead at the end of the first quarter. Villanova extended that at halftime to 36-21. 

The ‘Cats expanded their lead to 54-27 after three quarters behind excellent efforts from Siegrist and Lior Garzon. 

Rider was unable to score in the final three and a half minutes of play. Junior guard Amanda Mobley scored 14 points for the Broncs but was unable to change the inevitable.

Villanova received a strong performance from veterans Brianna Herlihey, who had eight points and eight rebounds, and Sam Mortensen. Mortensen is a Denmark native and University of Miami transfer who sat out the 2019-20 season due to NCAA rules. Mortensen had seven points and five rebounds.

Garzon and fellow freshmen Bella Runyan had strong performances. Garzon went 4-of-6 from the field and 3-of-4 from behind the three-point arc. She scored 11 points, and Runyan scored 6 in her career debut. Although fellow freshmen Kylie Swider did not put up any points, she had two rebounds.

Their next game which was recently added will be Saturday, Nov. 28 at Manhattan College. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 P.M. The team will play four games in December, starting with a game on Dec. 4 against DePaul at home.