Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
Villanova baseball picked up a win over Rice and losses to No. 2 Virginia and Michigan during its opening weekend in Puerto Rico. The team's 18 new players had the opportunity to make their debuts for the Wildcats.
Villanova baseball opened the 2025 season at the inaugural Puerto Rico Challenge in Ponce, Puerto Rico, facing some of the best teams in the nation during the unique event.
The Challenge brought together eight NCAA Division I teams and included a celebration of the rich heritage of Puerto Rico.
From Feb. 14 to Feb. 16, the Wildcats battled No. 2 Virginia, Rice and Michigan, coming away with a 1-2 record after the weekend. It was an incredible opportunity for the team, and one they are not taking for granted.
“We were able to play the game we love in some great weather, but it also provided us with some adversity that we can learn from,” head coach Kevin Mulvey said. “When you’re talking about exhaustion and adversity [from all of the travel and late games], that’s a good taste of it.”
On Friday night, the ‘Cats defeated Rice, 10-6, as a handful of newcomers made an immediate impact in their Villanova debuts.
Graduate transfer Bobby Olsen led the charge on the mound, tossing seven strikeouts while holding the Owls to one run and three hits through six innings.
Freshman Brayden Leonard posted his first career home run while providing steady defense at second base throughout the night. Fellow freshman outfielder John Freitag also delivered for the Wildcats, hitting a go-ahead single in the ninth inning, lifting the ‘Cats to an opening day victory.
“It’s great to win and feel validated beating a team like that,” Mulvey said. “There was a lot of good there and it’s really good when you can learn while winning.”
Following the win, Villanova faced perennial power No. 2 Virginia on Saturday night. The Wildcats fell to the Cavaliers, 3-1, suffering their first loss of the season.
Graduate pitcher Luke McCollough turned in a strong start, giving up only one run while striking out seven batters in five innings of work. Despite the impressive performance, the ‘Cats were unable to register a hit with McCollough on the mound. Graduate student Jason Neff drove in the only Wildcats’ run of the night with a RBI single in the sixth inning.
The impressive starts from Olsen and McCollough were an encouraging sign for a team that is still making decisions about the rest of their rotation.
“Our first two starters look like they’re going to give us a chance to win every single time that they pitch,” Mulvey said. “They fill up the zone with multiple pitches and provide a veteran presence.”
In their final game of the Puerto Rico Challenge, Villanova was defeated by Michigan, 19-0, on Sunday morning.
The Wolverines scored five runs through the first two innings and the Wildcats were unable to overcome the early deficit.
The Villanova offense struggled to create scoring opportunities throughout the game and were limited to just five hits on the day. Graduate student Tyler Shaw and redshirt freshman Austin Lemon both recorded hits for the third straight game to begin the season.
This past weekend will prove to be an important one for the Wildcats, as they prepare for the rest of their non-conference schedule. Several players performed well during the event and the squad will look to build upon these early season tests. For a team that consists of 18 new players, different faces will continue to step up, and this depth will benefit the ‘Cats as the season progresses.
“It’s the beginning of the season, we’re working out who belongs where and who deserves more opportunities, and they’re all hungry for opportunities,” Mulvey said. “It’s great to have options and when everyone gets to contribute. We’re competitive top to bottom.”
Villanova’s home opener against Saint Peter’s, which was scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 19, has been cancelled due to below-freezing temperatures. The Wildcats will next travel to Rock Hill, SC for a series against Winthrop University from Feb. 21 to 23.