The annual Villanova Classic took place at Jake Nevin Fieldhouse this past weekend. The ‘Cats hosted Yale, Fairfield and High Point University in a three-day tournament. Villanova volleyball swept its competition, 3-0, to start the season 5-0 for the first time since 2009.
Riding a monumental, 3-2 win against Notre Dame on Aug. 31, the ‘Cats headed into the Villanova Classic with momentum. Junior outside hitter Abby Harrell continued her dominance, leading the team in kills with 52 across the three games. The Wildcats were able to down Yale, 3-2, in five sets while taking down Fairfield and High Point in four sets.
“The national reputation of Notre Dame and all the things that come along with that, to beat them out there was a really good start,” head coach Josh Steinbach said. “I think it just gave us a really good morale boost getting us going for the rest of the year.”
The ‘Cats had their home opener at Jake Nevin Fieldhouse on Friday night. Villanova defeated Yale, 3-2 (28-26, 25-22, 20-25, 17-25, 15-9). Harrell accumulated 20 kills, as well as 17 digs.
“They’re dialed in and focused,” Steinbach said. “The kids have worked really hard, so they’re in really good physical shape. I’m not too worried about how tired they are. They’re ready to roll.”
Rookie setter Ava Harris aided her fellow Wildcats with 31 assists. Middle blocker Campbell McKinnon returned for her sophomore year with her undeniable force, receiving 19 kills, two aces and two blocks against Yale alone.
The second game of the weekend, ended in a 3-1 win against Fairfield on Saturday afternoon. After losing in the second set, the ‘Cats shifted their focus to win the final two (25-15, 20-25, 25-10, 25-15).
Harrell added 15 kills to her career total, including three aces. Sophomore setter Alyssa Nelson was able to pull off 22 assists against the Stags.
“The captains are Alyssa Nelson and Sophia Stalkup,” Steinbach said. “Those two are doing a really good job and are in touch with our team keeping us on track when we start to get a little off, but I think our group has really dialed in on being the best they can be this year.”
Yet another sophomore dominated the court again, libero Lola Buck-Taylor achieved 13 digs and three assists. Harris’ skills were also on full display to reach 25 assists, along with eight digs to close out the win against Fairfield.
The tournament ended with a five-set match against High Point (25-15, 27-25, 19-25, 25-14). The ‘Cats went into the game, 4-0, for the season already, with a lot of pressure on their backs, and Villanova volleyball pulled off a win.
Some new faces appeared on the court this weekend. Opposite hitter graduate student Ava Mehrten is one of the new Wildcats this season. Mehrten played four years at UC Berkeley and made her debut on Sunday with four blocks.
“She’s been a nice addition,” Steinbach said. “She’s a great personality, works really hard. Everybody likes having her on our squad.”
McKinnon and Harrell led the team in kills on Sunday afternoon with 17 each. Nelson returned to the court to help the ‘Cats with 24 assists and 11 digs.
Villanova looks to continue their historical winning streak into their third week of play. On Wednesday, Sept. 10, the ‘Cats are scheduled to play Temple in Philadelphia. This upcoming weekend, Villanova will travel to Norfolk, VA for the Old Dominion Invitational.
