Lucy Olsen is ranked third in the country with 23.4 points per game, was selected unanimously for First Team All-Big East and — as of March 20 — was named an Honorable Mention All-American. The junior guard’s stellar 2023–2024 season would be expected to end with NCAA March Madness.
However, a narrow 50–48 loss to Marquette in the Big East quarterfinals sent Olsen and the Wildcats to the inaugural Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT).
The disappointing turn in the postseason didn’t extinguish Olsen’s offensive fire. She recorded 29 points and five rebounds in No. 1 Villanova’s 75–60 win over VCU in the first round on March 21. It was her 22nd game this year scoring more than 20 points.
“[Olsen] leads the Big East for a reason,” VCU head coach Beth O’Boyle said. “We were trapping her as many times as we could and sending two players at her, but she did a great job of finding open teammates and then knocking down shots. Obviously, she is a very talented player that works hard.”
With the men’s team out in the first round of the NIT the previous day, also against VCU, it is up to the women to continue representing Villanova basketball in the postseason. For the ‘Cats, the competitive challenge of the first official women’s postseason invitation tournament in NCAA history is a source of motivation.
“Everyone’s angry that they didn’t get into March Madness,” Olsen said postgame. “Everyone wants revenge, so I think we’ve got to know that everyone’s going to be competitive.”
Alongside Olsen, the Wildcats are bolstered by the leadership of their junior class. Forward Christina Dalce is another key player, averaging 8.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Guard Zanai Jones scored 11 points in the victory over VCU. Guard Kaitlyn Orihel also made significant contributions against VCU, recording seven points and a career-high two steals.
Villanova will host its next WBIT matchup against Virginia on Sunday at 2 p.m. The Cavaliers finished the regular season with a 15–15 overall record and 11th place in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). They will visit the Finn off an 81–59 rout of High Point in the first round.
The VCU win gave the ‘Cats a boost of confidence going further into the WBIT. Head coach Denise Dillon said Villanova will be ready for the challenge against Virginia.
“We got a little redemption against VCU on our end,” Dillon said. “We’re representing Villanova for sure, whatever it takes to win.”
