After a hard fought loss in the season opener to NC State, the Villanova Women’s Basketball team hosted the Loyola Greyhounds on Monday night in the Pavilion. 

Historically, Villanova is 21-7 against the Patriot League and continued their winning ways behind the stellar performance of sophomore center Megan Quinn. Quinn posted an impressive double-double recording 23 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. 

Senior guard Katherine Coyer netted 14 points, while twin sister Caroline Coyer filled up the stat sheet with seven points, seven assists, and five rebounds. 

Villanova took the lead early and never looked back. The first quarter of play was back and forth between the Wildcats and the Greyhounds with the Wildcats maintaining the edge, but the second quarter was dominated by the Wildcats. 

Villanova had a 17-5 run that gave the Wildcats a 15 point edge over Loyola with 1:47 left in the second quarter.  However, the Greyhounds netted back-to-back threes before half and trailed the Wildcats at the half 32-21.

Villanova continued their dominant play in the third quarter behind a barrage of three-pointers and had a game high lead of 20 points on Loyola. 

However, the Greyhounds would not go away easily. With only 3:49 left in the third quarter, Loyola went on a 12-0 run that cut into Villanova’s lead and were only trailed the Wildcats 48–40 with 51 seconds left in the third quarter.

Despite a resilient effort by Loyola, Villanova ultimately pulled away in the fourth quarter led by Katherine Coyer who led the Wildcats in second-half scoring with 10 points. Villanova’s patient and methodical offensive sets were extremely effective against Loyola who wanted to put up points fast. 

Each offensive set Villanova would let time tick-off the clock before executing their plays, which only minimized Loyola’s comeback chances with each Villanova possession. With only 34 seconds left in the game, freshman guard Adrianna Hahn delivered the dagger as she drained a three-pointer from the wing to give the Wildcats a 12 point lead and solidify their victory over Loyola with a final score of 67-55.

Villanova converted 10-of-20 (50 percent) from beyond the arch and shot 24-of-52 (46.2 percent) from the field. Meanwhile, Loyola shot 7-of-15 (46.7 percent) from long-range and 22-of-57 (38.6 percent) from the field. Despite being substantially smaller than the Wildcats, the Greyhounds held the advantage on rebounds 39 – 34. Neither team particularly shot well from the charity stripe. Loyola shot 4-of-10 (40%) and Villanova went 9-of-22 (40.9%). 

The 2015-2016 Villanova Women’s Basketball team looks very similar to the team last year with younger players stepping in to fill roles. Megan Quinn proved herself to be a dominant, yet versatile center who can power herself inside the post, but also convert three-pointers from beyond arch. Her role parallels the role of now graduated senior Emily Leer who was an offensive force last season for Villanova. Additionally, freshman Adrianna Hahn shows tremendous promise as she plays backup behind the veteran Coyer sisters. 

Although in this game senior guard Caroline Coyer played more of a facilitative role, she is the clear leader and star of the 2015-2016 Wildcats. Coyer spent her summer with the USA Women’s Basketball team in the Pan American Games, which is a testament to her phenomenal backcourt play. 

Nonetheless, the emergence of other players, such as Megan Quinn, Katherine Coyer and Adrianna Hahn is truly great for this Villanova team. 

From their trusting and team-oriented style of play, it is obvious that each player believes that anyone on the team can step up and make the necessary play. This unified mentality bodes well for Villanova as they look to continue their winning ways moving forward. 

Villanova’s next game will be back in the Pavilion on Tuesday, Nov. 24 night at 7 p.m. as they host familiar Philadelphia foe, Saint Joseph’s.