Villanova beat St. Johns in a thrilling match on Sunday, 3-2, securing the third seed in the Big East Tournament. The match closed out the regular season and was senior day for the team.

After winning seven straight games earlier in the season, Villanova entered Sunday having lost two straight. Now, the ‘Cats seem to be back on track, as this victory caps off a two-game win streak. 

The Wildcats beat the Red Storm in five sets, as each team went back and forth throughout the match. Villanova won the first and third set while St. John’s won the second and fourth. Despite the match being close, the Wildcats were in control throughout the entire game as the team recorded a season-high 18 blocks.

Allie Olsonoski was the main piece behind the Wildcats’ defensive dominance. The 6’1” senior recorded 14 block assists throughout the match.

In the third set, it seemed like the Red Storm were going to take control, as they led 24-21. However, Mallory Pots had a kill which sparked a comeback. It was followed by two blocks from the team, knotting the set at 24. Both teams exchanged points, but the Wildcats took their first lead of the set at 28-27. They eventually ended up winning the set 29-27.

St. John’s didn’t let Villanova outplay them in the fourth set, however. The Red Storm beat them 25-22, forcing a fifth set.

The Wildcats dominated the fifth set right out of the gate. The team jumped out to an 8-4 lead to start. The Red Storm fought back and cut the lead to 10-7. Villanova held them off, though, as they ended the set on a 5-1 run, eventually winning 15-8.

With this victory, the ‘Cats earn the right to play the number two-seeded Marquette Golden Eagles in the Big East Tournament. The match is set for Friday in Milwaukee at 3:30 p.m. ET.