Sports

Women’s Lacrosse Gears Up for 2025 Campaign

Casey Healey, Staff Writer

February 5, 2025

Villanova women’s lacrosse was selected third in the Big East preseason poll, behind Denver and UConn.

Villanova women’s lacrosse will begin regular season play this Saturday, Feb. 8 against Binghamton.

After making a second consecutive Big East conference tournament appearance in their 2024 campaign, and going 7-9 overall last season, the Wildcats will be looking to make some big strides in the upcoming season.

Villanova was picked third in the Big East preseason poll, behind Denver and UConn.

Senior attacker Sydney Pappas led the way for Villanova last season, totaling 49 goals and four assists. She was named all Big East First Team along with multiple Big East attacker of the week titles. Pappas is expected to once again excel with the Wildcats in her final season.

Another strong returner for the Wildcats is sophomore Mary Moore, who is the current Big East Freshman of the Year. Moore also achieved all Big East First Team honors last season and tallied 39 points, with 23 goals and 12 assists. Moore stands out as one of the best freshmen in Villanova lacrosse history, and is on track for an exciting sophomore season.

Senior attacker Sydney Pappas (right) and freshman midfielder Mandy Moore (left) return in 2025. (Courtesy of Villanova Athletics)

Head coach Jill Batcheller brought in 11 members of the class of 2028, including four defenders, three midfielders and four attackers.

The Wildcats welcome several local players, as well, including Elle Brady, who attended the Agnes Irwin School, less than a mile from campus in Rosemont, PA. According to her Villanova Athletics bio, Brady “chose Villanova because her whole family attended Villanova [and] she grew up surrounded by the Villanova community.”

Additionally, the Wildcats boast four players selected to the all Big East Preseason team, including Moore, Pappas, Maddy Stoddard and Emma Verhoest. They were also placed at number three in the Big East Preseason Poll, with one first place vote and a total of 24 points.

Villanova is expected to face some fierce competition this coming season. The schedule is packed with multiple ranked opponents, including Stony Brook, ranked No. 14 in the “Inside Lacrosse Coaches Association Poll,” No. 15 Denver and No. 28 Navy.

The Wildcats will also be in California on Mar. 1 to Mar. 3 to face two ACC teams: No. 20 Stanford and University of California Davis.

Their first game will be against Binghamton, Saturday, Feb. 8 at Villanova Stadium. The game is set to begin at 10 a.m.