Good Morning, Nova Nation 4/29: Tourney Time

'Cats Head North For BIG EASt Men's Lacrosse Tournament

April 29, 2026

The Official Newsletter of Villanova Athletics

Good Morning, Nova Nation. We’ve got some certified ball knowers on campus!

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

🥍 Tourney Time
🏀 And Another One
⚾️ Midweek Magic
🔷 And much more!

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

🔼 Tourney Time. For the second straight season, the Villanova men’s lacrosse team will face-off with Providence in the BIG EAST semifinals as the ‘Cats head north to compete in the 2026 BIG EAST Tournament.

This time, Villanova will square off with the Friars on their home field as Providence is set to host the tournament this week.

Face-off is set for 7:30 pm tomorrow night.

How many consecutive BIG EAST Tournaments has the Villanova men’s lacrosse team played in?

Got a guess?

Scroll to the bottom to see if you know your stuff!

🔼 And Another One. Head Coach Kevin Willard and his staff added yet another piece to the puzzle this week.

Devin Royal, a 6-6 forward who averaged 13 points per game in each of the last two seasons while starting 59 games at Ohio State, has signed on to join the Wildcats for the 2026-27 season.

As a junior in 2025-26, the native of Pickerington, Ohio averaged 13.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per contest for a Buckeyes unit that played in the NCAA Tournament.

🔼 Drive To Five. For the fifth time this season, Villanova junior LSM Jake Melchionni was recognized with a weekly honor by the BIG EAST.

After an impressive outing with five caused turnovers and seven groundballs against Georgetown, Melchionni was named the BIG EAST Specialist of the Week for the fourth time this spring.

🔼 Finishing Strong. Redshirt sophomore Mary Moore of the Villanova women’s lacrosse program ended her 2026 season with another accolade on the mantle.

A season-high eight points, including a career-best six goals in the ‘Cats 18-9 win over Butler earned Moore the BIG EAST MIdfielder of the Week award.

🔼 Midweek Magic. The Villanova baseball team earned an 8–7 walk-off victory over Saint Joseph's on Tuesday.’

Freshman Jack Roventini delivered the game-winner with a two-RBI single in the bottom of the ninth.

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

Thursday, April 30th
🍷 Trivia Night at Grace Winery
🥍 Men’s Lacrosse vs. Providence @ 7:30pm
(BIG EAST Semifinals - Providence, R.I.)

Friday, May 1st
🎶 Live Music at 118 North
🥎 Softball vs. St. John’s @ 3:30pm
⚾️ Baseball at Georgetown @ 6pm
👟 Track & Field at Larry Ellis Invitational (Princeton, N.J.)

Saturday, May 2nd
🎭 Media Theater Presents: 9 to 5
🥎 Softball vs. St. John’s @ 12pm
🥍 Men’s Lacrosse at BIG EAST Championships @ 2pm l ESPNU
(with semifinal win - BIG EAST Finals - Providence, R.I.)
⚾️ Baseball at Georgetown @ 3pm
👟 Track & Field at Larry Ellis Invitational (Princeton, N.J.)
⛳️ Men’s Golf at BIG EAST Championship (Hardeeville, S.C.)

Sunday, May 3rd
🪴 Annual Plant Sale at Tyler Arboretum
🥎 Softball vs. St. John’s @ 12pm
⚾️ Baseball at Georgetown @ 1pm
⛳️ Men’s Golf at BIG EAST Championship (Hardeeville, S.C.)

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Answer: 14 straight

Have a great one, Nova Nation!