Villanova volleyball continued its unbeaten streak in conference play this weekend, claiming victories over DePaul and Xavier in the second week of Big East competition.
Last Friday, Oct. 4, the ‘Cats went 3-1 against DePaul (11–5, 3–1 Big East) before traveling to Cincinnati, OH on Sunday. Villanova swept Xavier (4–10, 2–2 Big East) in three straight sets, accounting for its seventh sweep of the season.
Along with Creighton (13–2, 4–0 Big East), Villanova is one of only two teams that remain undefeated in the Big East conference. The Wildcats and Bluejays are tied at the top of the conference standings. Villanova is now 4-0 in conference play and has an overall record of 11-4.
“We have 14 matches left. It’s a long way to go,” Villanova head coach Josh Steinbach said. “I think this team can make a run, and I think we’re continuing to get better. If we continue to get healthy and improve at a good rate, then I think we have a chance to cause some people some problems.”
The team started its stellar weekend in Chicago, IL to defeat DePaul (25-21, 25-13, 22-25, 25-19). Sophomore outside hitter Abby Harrell had the highest kill count of the night, recording 12 kills, along with two aces and three blocks. Graduate outside hitter Riley Homer accomplished 10 kills of her own, as well as the blocks.
Graduate transfer Taylor Jakubowski pulled off 20 assists to help her fellow Wildcats on Friday. The DePaul game catapulted Jakubowski to hit the monumental threshold of 2,000 career assists.
“[Jakubowski] is just a great communicator and a great leader, who’s competitive and has a good perspective on how to play the game,” Steinbach said. “She’s done a great job for us and we’re super excited that we get to have her on our team this year.”
Rookie setter Alyssa Nelson achieved her first Big East award of her career, earning Big East Freshman of the Week status. Nelson had one of her best games yet, managing 21 assists. She also executed 15 digs against the Blue Demons for a new career best.
Despite coming up short in the third set, the ‘Cats powered through with a quick turnaround. They ultimately came out with the win against the Blue Demons after the fourth set.
“Anytime you win matches, it feels good, especially doing it on the road,” Steinbach said.
With a well-deserved day off on Saturday, the ‘Cats defeated the Musketeers on Sunday afternoon (25-18, 25-15, 25-22). Senior middle blocker Ozzie Ozonoh achieved the most blocks of the night, with five. Freshman middle blocker Campbell McKinnon notched eight kills along with an ace. Jakubowski got another 20 assists under her belt on Sunday as well.
Harrell scored 13 points for her team and racked up 12 kills. During the second set of the match, Villanova only allowed the Musketeers to get to 15 points, having them win by a margin of 10 points. The closest margin was the third set, where the ‘Cats allowed Xavier 22 points, and only won that set by three to close out the match.
Looking forward to the third week of conference play, the Wildcats are back at home this weekend.
On Friday, Oct. 11 the ‘Cats will take on Creighton in Jake Nevin Field House at 6 p.m.
On Sunday, Villanova will face Marquette at 1 p.m.
“We’re playing here at our home court, and we’ll play loose, free, and aggressive,” Steinbach said. “It’s going to be a battle this weekend. They’re good, but we’re going to give it our best shot.”
