Main Story: Villanova takes a three-game road trip into a pivotal BIG EAST matchup at Providence, then closes its nonconference schedule at Wagner. The Wildcats, Providence and Old Dominion are tied for third in the conference standings, making Friday’s result important to the tiebreaker picture. Villanova arrives after a narrow loss to Saint Joseph’s, while Providence has dropped two straight.

By the Numbers
  • Villanova, Providence and Old Dominion are tied for third in the BIG EAST.
  • Providence is 9-5 overall; Wagner is 7-6 after winning seven straight.
  • Villanova leads its series with Wagner, 2-0, and has won its past three games against Providence.
  • Colleen Finnan has scored in three straight games and has eight goals this season.
Yes, But

Villanova is coming off a loss, but its late rally featured a career-best three-point performance from freshman Adie Minnella. Providence has lost consecutive games, yet still brings a 9-5 record and a potent attack led by Carley Van Benten, who has nine goals.

What's Next

Villanova visits Providence Friday, Oct. 23, at 2 p.m. ET, then plays Wagner Sunday, Oct. 25, at noon ET. Friday’s game streams on ESPN+; Sunday’s is available on NEC Front Row.

Bottom Line

Friday is more than a road test: a win could give Villanova a head-to-head tiebreaker over Providence and strengthen its position in a crowded BIG EAST race.