After a couple years of adjustments, Villanova women’s basketball has found its flow and proven itself as a March Madness-caliber team after earning its first bid since 2023. Led by star sophomore guard Jasmine Bascoe and fifth year center Denae Carter, the ‘Cats made their way through the regular season and finished second overall in the Big East.
However, as impactful as Bascoe and Carter have been, Villanova’s bench runs deep this season. Much of its success can be attributed to the efforts of Villanova’s depth, including senior guard Ryanne Allen, sophomore guard Dani Ceserreti and freshman forward Brooke Bender.
Allen came to Villanova her junior year, following a stint at Vanderbilt. Growing up near Villanova, she was familiar with the area already, having played at Archbishop Wood High School.
This season, she has averaged 7.9 points per game, 2.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists. Most notably, Allen finished the season with a 44.3% three-point field goal percentage, which got her an invite to the NCAA Women’s Three-Point Shot Competition, hosted in Indianapolis, IN, at the men’s Final Four. Allen was amongst the top shooters in the Big East this season, ranking 10th in the conference for three-point field goals per game.
Allen was also named Philadelphia Big Five Player of the Week back in December and appeared on the Big East Weekly Honor Roll.
Ceseretti, a Rhode Island native, was recruited by Dillon and played her freshman season in 2024-25. As a freshman, she played in 30 games and had 25 points. The 6 foot guard recorded a career-high of four steals against Xavier as well as a career-best seven rebounds against St. John’s.
This season, Ceseretti has increased her contributions on the court. She recorded a career-high 12 points on Jan. 4 at Marquette.
“I think I have a bigger role defensively trying to help out,” Ceseretti said. “ I think mainly just trying to bring energy up. Being able to come in and add to what the starters have already done to start off the game has been fun.”
Bender joined the team this year, alongside her twin sister, Elise. The Ohio native currently averages 4.8 points per game and 2.6 rebounds. Known for her sharpshooting abilities from the three point line, Bender achieved a career-high of 18 points against Providence, where she went 6-of-8 from beyond the arc.
“So far for me, it’s been shooting,” Bender said, when asked about her biggest contributions. “I just like to come off the bench, and shoot threes, and just bring some energy.”
Bender was named Philadelphia Big Five Rookie of the Week on Nov. 10, following a 16-point performance against Virginia Commonwealth University.
Allen, Ceseretti and Bender are anticipating their trip to Baton Rouge, LA, to play in the NCAA Tournament.
“I’m just really grateful for my 1st season, being able to have this opportunity and with a bunch of people that I love playing with,” Bender said. “So I’m just really excited and we’ll see what happens.”
It will be the first time all three players will wear the Villanova jersey in March Madness. Allen formerly competed in the tournament with Vanderbilt back in 2023.
“Being in a different position, and just being a senior now, I think I’ve become more appreciative of the opportunities that come my way,” Allen said. “Being able to do it with this group as a senior, to go out this way. It’s a cool experience to have, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do in the tournament.”
Despite not being in the starting five lineup, these three players have helped to bring the Wildcats back to the tournament for the first time since 2023.
The three also named their choices for the loudest voice on the bench.
“Ours would probably be Annie,” Bender said. “She always has something to say. I sit next to her.”
They concluded with a tie between senior Annie Welde and sophomore Rachel Wirts.
“I would also put Rachel in there,” Ceseretti said. “She has some really great cellies So, yeah, she brings some good energy.”
Villanova was named a No.10 seed and will take on seven-seeded Texas Tech on Friday, March 20. Should it win, it will take on the winner of No. 15 Jacksonville vs. No. 2 Louisiana State University.
