Harry Perretta’s final season as the women’s basketball coach is off to a rough start (0-1) as the Wildcats lost their season opener, 68-56, to George Washington University. 

It was a new look Villanova team that took the floor Wednesday night, as the team was forced to replace three of its regular starters from a year ago. Madison Siegrist, Brooke Mullin and Mackenzie Gardler all made their Villanova women’s basketball debut in the contest. 

In the first half, Villanova had difficulty guarding the lane and also had 12 turnovers. The team’s shooting percentage was 37% compared to George Washington’s 43%. The first half ended with a score of, 38-25, with George Washington taking the halftime lead. For the Wildcats, Brianna Herlihy, Raven James and Siegrist were the top scorers, with seven, five and five points respectively. Sydney Zambrotta was George Washington’s top scorer with fifteen points in the first half. 

 Senior Mary Gedaka, one of the Wildcats’ best players, struggled inside the lane against George Washington’s defense. In the third quarter, George Washington outdid Villanova on rebounds, but the Wildcats bounced back in the fourth quarter with stronger defense and a more intense offense. The Wildcats held Zambrotta to two points in the second half and cut the deficit of 27 points at the end of the third quarter down to 13 by the end of the game. By the end of the night, Siegrist led the Wildcats in scoring with 14 points, while each of the Herlihy sisters contributed 12. Bridget Herlihy, Siegrist, and Gedaka also led the team in rebounds, with Gedaka contributing three assists in addition. 

After a rough first three quarters against George Washington, the Wildcats found their stride in the fourth quarter. The ‘Cats will face James Madison at home on Saturday, Nov. 9 when they hope to get their first win of the season.