Villanova women’s soccer secured a top-two Big East finish with a 1–0 victory at Marquette on Oct. 31, according to Villanova Athletics. It is the program’s best conference standing since finishing second in the league’s National Division in 2005.
The Wildcats improved to 11–1–5 overall and 6–1–2 in conference play. With one regular-season match remaining, they had 20 points, one behind Xavier.
Sophomore Avrie Nelsen scored at 10:10 at Valley Fields in Milwaukee. Bella Panaccione supplied the assist after a sequence that began with an Ambyr Baker throw-in. Nelsen’s seventh goal of the season proved decisive.
Panaccione’s assist was Villanova’s 45th of the season, surpassing the team record of 44 from 2002. Goalkeeper Hanna Dickinson made six saves for her 10th shutout; the team recorded its 12th clean sheet.
Villanova led 13–10 in shot attempts, while Marquette held a 6–2 advantage in shots on goal. Morgan Kotch attempted four shots, the most by any player.
The Wildcats close the regular season against UConn on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Higgins Soccer Complex. Villanova’s current schedule lists kickoff at 2:30 p.m., with coverage on ESPN+.
Coach Samar Azem told The Villanovan that earning a road win and shutout against a Marquette team pursuing a top-four finish demonstrated her squad’s strength. She said the Wildcats could still win the regular-season championship by beating UConn if Xavier tied or lost its finale.
UConn enters at 4–4–9 overall and 2–2–5 in the Big East following a 1–0 win over Georgetown, according to The Daily Campus. The Huskies have 11 conference points and are seeking their first road win of the season.
