After a winning start to the season, Villanova’s women’s basketball is gearing up for a tough two-game stretch this week.
Fresh off a 64-56 victory over Wake Forest in its season opener at Finneran Pavilion, Villanova will face its first road test against Princeton on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The Wildcats will then return to their home court on Saturday, Nov. 16 to play Columbia.
The Wildcats’ first win of the season did not come easily. Despite being down at halftime, Villanova displayed tenacity and poise to surge back in the second half.
Jasmine Bascoe, a freshman guard from Milton, Ontario, led the attack, scoring 18 points in her debut. Her breakout performance was due to her agility and ability to get past Wake Forest’s defense.
Bascoe was not alone on the offensive side. Graduate guard and Holy Cross transfer Bronagh Power-Cassidy scored 17 points. Power-Cassidy, known for her ability to shoot from beyond the arc and drive to the hoop, was crucial in keeping the team together throughout their comeback.
“We’re all pretty new but we’ve bonded very quickly these past couple of months,” Power-Cassidy said postgame. “I think we were kind of itching to get on the floor and play a game against different people. Obviously shots weren’t dropping, but we all trust in each other that once we see the ball go in the basket, we’re going to have faith in everybody else, that we’re just gonna keep rolling.”
As Villanova prepares for its next two games, it will face two big matchups.
The Tigers are historically the top team in the Ivy League and are recognized for their disciplined defense and exceptional offensive execution. Princeton is coming off a 79-58 win over DePaul, and will be ready to protect its home floor against a Villanova team that is also coming off of a win.
One of Princeton’s key players this season is junior guard Madison St. Rose, who was the leading scorer for the Tigers, with 24 points against DePaul and 22 points against Duquesne. The other key player is sophomore guard Ashley Chea, who had 11 points against DePaul. She is known for her scrappy defense and ability to control the pace of the game.
It will take a whole team effort to win at Princeton. Villanova’s defense will also be tested, particularly in restraining Princeton’s skilled guards, who thrive on fast breaks and transition scoring.
Following their midweek road game, the Wildcats will return home to the Finneran Pavilion, where they will face Columbia University on Saturday, Nov. 16, for Disney Day. The Lions, another difficult Ivy League opponent, are noted for their toughness on the boards and ability to shoot from long distances.
One of Colombia’s key players this season is sophomore guard Riley Weiss, who was the Lions’ leading scorer against Providence with 25 points. Senior guard Kitty Henderson is also a key scorer for the Lions after coming off of an 18-point performance against Providence.
In both games, Villanova will need to control the tempo and continue to create chemistry with its new squad. If it can replicate its second-half performance against Wake Forest, it has a good chance of finishing the week with two more wins.
For the Wildcats, these games are more than simply early-season battles. They are opportunities to test their skills, build team chemistry and set the tone for the season ahead.
