Tennis was the first women’s varsity sport at Villanova, led by head coach Bob Langran in the fall of 1968.
But last week, the Wildcats accomplished something for the first time in the program’s 57-year history: an appearance in the Big East Championship match.
In Cayce, SC from April 18 to April 20, No. 4 seed Villanova emerged with 4-3 defeats of both No. 5 seed DePaul University and No. 2 seed University of Connecticut. The Wildcats ultimately fell to Xavier University, 4-0, in the final to end the season as the runner-up.
“It was the best finish that we’ve ever had, in the 28 years since I’ve been here,” head coach Steve Reiniger said. “Although the ultimate goal is to win [the conference title], I’m thrilled.”
The Wildcats grabbed a win over the Blue Demons on Friday, April 18 to start the tournament. Villanova leaned on singles action after losing in the No. 2 and No. 3 matches to give up the doubles points.
The team endured intense singles matches, four of which went to three sets, to earn a comeback win over DePaul. Graduate Sophia Edwards was the only player to win her match in two sets, 6-2, 7-5, on court one.
Edwards helped generate the energy for her teammates to forge a comeback in singles.
“Sophia [Edwards] and I had many talks about her helping the team,” Reiniger said. “Not only is she a great tennis player, but her attitude is contagious. She’s super positive, and nothing ever distracts her. You know when she walks out on a court, she’s going to battle.”
Sophomore Jenna Stevens clinched the match with a 7-5, 2-6, 6-2 victory in the No. 5 spot.
Saturday’s match against UConn started similarly, with Villanova losing in No. 2 and No. 3 doubles, both 4-6. But the Wildcats won the three singles matches they needed to defeat the Huskies.
“We went in confident that we’ve played both DePaul and UConn before, knowing that they’re beatable,” Reiniger said.
Junior Maggie Gherig emerged with a confident 6-0, 6-4 win at No. 3 singles. Reiniger noted her personal growth since a shaky beginning of the season. Gherig finished the season winning eight of her last 10 singles matches.
“Maggie [Gehrig] had her best season ever,” Reiniger said. “She’s always been very athletic and always had the skill set, but she changed her mental game. She had a bunch of wins against players on paper that should’ve killed her.”
In Sunday’s championship match, Xavier defeated Villanova, despite some close unfinished matches. The Musketeers grabbed the doubles point, with 6-4 victories at No. 2 and No. 3, then swept singles to claim the Big East title.
It was the last collegiate match for Edwards, a Florida native who arrived at Villanova as a transfer player after four years at Boston College.
“We were really lucky to have [Ewards] this year,” Reiniger said. “There’s no chance that we would’ve gotten to where we did without her, and she’s really helped in teaching the rest of the team how to compete and have sportsmanship. She set the example and hopefully everybody will stay on that same path.”
Despite losing Edwards, the Wildcats have potential to build upon their success next season. Freshman Olivia Corcoran was one of the team’s strongest players throughout the season, filling the No. 2 singles spot.
“Olivia [Corcoran], Maggie [Gherig], and [sophomore Miriam Gondorova] all have a potential for playing No. 1 next year,” Reiniger said.
Reiniger said the plan is to bring in two freshman recruits next season, although new NCAA rules limit the roster size to ten. The 2024-25 roster had 12 players.
“I’m confident that the players that we have will give us a competitive team next year,” Reiniger said.
