Good Morning, Nova Nation 12/15: See Ya In The Semis!

'Cats March Into Semifinals, Set To Host Illinois State At Home Next Saturday

Author

Sydney Fields
December 15, 2025

The Official Newsletter of Villanova Athletics

Good Morning, Nova Nation. Not done yet! We’ll see you on Saturday!

What all do we have in today’s edition? Check it out below!

🏈 See Ya In The Semis
🏀 Taming The Panthers
⚽️ They’re Backkkk
🔷 And much more!

Tommy’s Tavern + Tap is proud to be an Official Partner of Villanova Athletics!

🔼 See Ya In The Semis! Clear your Saturday, ‘Cats fans! You need to be at Villanova Stadium for the FCS Semifinals!

The Wildcats marched into the semifinal round for the fourth time in program history with a late rally to upset #4 Tarleton State, 26-21, this past Saturday.

Junior running back Ja'briel Mace rushed for 151 yards and a touchdown, graduate kicker Jack Barnum became the Wildcats single-season record holder for made field goals and graduate linebacker Shane Hartzell led another supreme effort by the Villanova defense which held Tarleton State to less than half of its season scoring average.

The win is the 11th in a row for the Wildcats and just one away from tying the program's record of 12 set during the 1997 season. Matching that win streak record would advance Villanova to the second national championship game in school history.

Kickoff next Saturday against Illinois State is set for 7:30 pm on ESPN.

🔼 Taming The Panthers. The duo of senior Duke Brennan and sophomore Bryce Lindsay provided the offensive punch as the Villanova men’s hoops team returned home with a decisive 79-61 victory over former BIG EAST rival Pittsburgh at a sold out Finneran Pavilion this past Saturday.

Brennan had a career night for the ‘Cats, pouring in 24 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Lindsay hit several key shots to also finish with 24 points, including four 3-pointers.

Freshman Acaden Lewis continued to put his floor vision on display, dishing out seven assists, along with 11 points and two steals.

🔼 Fun In The Sun. We all could use a little sunshine right now, huh?

The Villanova swim team sure enjoyed it this past weekend as the women’s squad earned a runner-up finish at the Collegiate 5k National Championship in Sarasota, Fla.

Marlene Blanke (third), Riley Hull (sixth), Peri Gaguzis (10th) and Katie White (11th) led the way for the Wildcats.

🔼 They’re Backkk. Two consistent pieces of Villanova's lineup throughout the 2025 season have decided to come back to the Main Line in 2026. Bella Panaccione and Hannah Dickinson will return to the Blue and White for their sixth and fifth years, respectively.

This past season, the two opened all 18 of the team's contests, combining for 2,999 minutes on the pitch. They were two of nine Wildcats to play in all 18 matches and among four to be in the Opening XI of each one.

🔼 Settting The Slate. Pull out those calendars, we’ve got even more dates to fill up!

Head Coach Jill Batcheller and the Villanova women’s lacrosse team unveiled their 15-game 2026 slate late last week.

This season's schedule features five repeat opponents in the non-conference in addition to the same six BIG EAST teams, as well as four teams not on last year's slate: Towson (last played in 2001), Rutgers (former BIG EAST rival, last played in Batcheller's first year 2022), Siena (last played in 2019) and Vermont (last played in 2024).

The Wildcats will look to build on a historic 2025 campaign which saw the first BIG EAST title game appearance in Villanova history as well as a league-high eight all-conference selections.

What’s Ahead is brought to you by our friends at Visit Delco, the #1 source for information on all there is to see and do in Delaware County, PA. Find fantastic places to stay, incredible food and drink, and music and art—and you may even find a few surprises.

Monday, December 15
🎄 Rose Tree Park Festival of Lights

Tuesday, December 16
🎨 CraftForms 2025 at the Wayne Art Center

Wednesday, December 17
🤔 Trivia Night at 2SP

Friday, December 19
🎄 The Mill at Rockdale: Mill Works Creator Space Holiday Hang
🏀 Women’s Basketball vs. Seton Hall @ 7 pm
🏀 Men’s Basketball vs. Wisconsin @ 8 pm (Milwaukee, Wisc.)

Saturday, December 20
🌟 The Shooting Stars Holiday Spectacular
🏈 Football vs. Illinois State @ 7:30 pm l ESPN (FCS Playoffs - Semifinals)

Sunday, December 21
⛸️ Glice Skating Rink at Linvilla Orchards

Monday, December 22
🎄 Holidays at the Brandywine at the Brandywine Museum of Art
🏀 Women’s Basketball vs. St. John’s @ 12 pm

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Have a great one, Nova Nation!