Redshirt freshman Madison Siegrist led the Wildcats to a 77-69 win over La Salle with a massive 41-point effort on 68.4% shooting from the field.

Siegrist showcased her skills not only on the offensive end but on defense as well with nine defensive rebounds and three blocks.

Siegrist’s 41-point game was not only impressive but record-breaking. The performance marked the most points scored by a rookie in the program’s history, and scored the most by a first-year player on any Division I team since the 2017-2018 season. In addition, Siegrest set the record for the most points scored by a women’s player in the Tom Gola Arena.

Saturday’s game was the last of Philadelphia Big 5 play for Vilanova, and, with the win, the ‘Cats are back to the .500 mark as a team for the season. 

Another noteworthy performance came from senior Mary Gedaka, who was the next highest scorer with 15 points, going 6-of-13, and finishing close to her overall season average of 17 points per game. 

Junior Raven James and senior Bridget Herlihy had 11 and 10 points, respectively. Herlihy had eight overall rebounds, four assists, and a block.

Villanova led for 79.2% of the game and was able to slow game pace and execute flawless plays. The ‘Cats closed strong in the fourth quarter with 21 points and 100% shooting from the free-throw line, forcing their lead further.

The Explorers were unable to end their current losing streak, suffering their fifth straight loss to drop to 6-6 overall. The last time La Salle beat Villanova was back in 2008.

With a 5-5 record, the ‘Cats look forward to starting Big East play on Dec. 29 versus Providence at home in the Finneran Pavilion.