No. 6 Villanova claimed its first postseason win in five years in the first round of the Big East Tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 27. The Wildcats downed No. 3 UConn in a 3-2 thriller (25-23, 19-25, 24-26, 25-21, 15-13) in Omaha, Neb. Villanova advances to face No. 2 Marquette in the semifinals of the Big East tournament on Friday.
Villanova lost to UConn in both of the regular season meetings between the teams, including a 3-0 sweep by the Huskies on Villanova’s senior night on Nov. 23. The ‘Cats put forth one of their best efforts of the season to defeat the Huskies.
The last time the ‘Cats advanced to the semifinals of the Big East tournament was in 2019. The win is Villanova head coach Josh Steinbach’s second playoff win in his 18-year career with the ‘Cats.
“It felt pretty good. Having played four days earlier and lost at home, I thought we had to do some things better,” Steinbach said. “I thought the team played really well. So, I was pretty pleased with our effort.”
Senior libero Elizabeth Feczko recorded 20 digs and 10 assists. Sophomore outside hitter Abby Harrell notched 11 kills and 17 digs.
Freshman middle blocker Campbell McKinnon pulled off her first career double-double, achieving 15 kills and 11 blocks. Freshman setter Alyssa Nelson set a career high of 20 digs, along with 27 assists for the ‘Cats. Freshman outside hitter Cat Young managed 14 kills.
“The freshmen were great. They each do something a little different,” Coach Steinbach said. “We have those kids mixed in with some very experienced leadership, so those guys were able to steady everybody out.”
The ‘Cats won the first set in a close matchup by only two points. As for the second and third sets, Villanova fell short to the Huskies, letting UCONN’s powerful offense get the best of the team. However, the ‘Cats doubled back to extend their lead to win the fourth and fifth sets and finally defeat the Huskies for the first time since October 2023.
Villanova now advances to the semifinals of the Big East Tournament where they will face Marquette. The ‘Cats dropped both of their regular season matches with Marquette in straight sets. The game is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 29 at the D.J. Sokol Arena in Omaha at 6 p.m.
“Marquette is a different breed,” Coach Steinbach said. “We have to shift something against Marquette, serve and pass much better, and execute the offense a little better.”
