STORRS, Conn.- UConn women's lacrosse begins BIG EAST conference play Saturday afternoon, traveling to Pennsylvania for a matchup with the Villanova Wildcats. UConn got back in the win column Wednesday afternoon, defeating Columbia on the road 10-7 for their sixth win of the 2025 season.

The Huskies (6-3) were led by a balanced offensive attack, with six different players recording a goal. Ava Plata (Orchard Park, N.Y.) , Eliza Bowman (Greenwich, Conn.) and Megan O'Brien (Morris Plains, N.J.) led the way with two goals apiece. Jenna Giardina (South Salem, N.Y.) continued her strong 2025 season, with four points (one goal and three assists) in the victory over Columbia.

In goal, Sofia Oximana (Seattle, Wash.) held the Lions at bay throughout the afternoon, making seven saves to anchor the UConn defense. Abby Beran (Wading River, N.Y.) exhibited her defensive prowess, with a career-high six ground balls, along with three caused turnovers and three draw controls.

Villanova Snapshot (6-3)

The Wildcats come into their conference opener also at 6-3, winners of their last three games. After a narrow defeat at the hands of No.8 Stanford, Villanova has defeated UC Davis, Lafayette College, and Columbia to move even with UConn at the top of BIG EAST standings.

Five Wildcats come into the game with at least 13 goals on the season, led by a team-high 22 scores from BIG EAST Attacker of the Week Sydney Pappas. In the 2-0 week for Villanova, Pappas had eight goals and four assists, now holding the school record for most career goals (155). Emma Verhoest also took home a conference weekly award, named BIG EAST Midfielder of the Week after 28 draw controls in the two wins, tying her own school record with 16 against Columbia. Sami Carey leads the 'Cats with 42 points (15 goals, 27 assists).

Jill Batcheller is in her fourth season as head coach for the 'Nova women's lacrosse team. In her second season, Batcheller led the Wildcats to a 12-6 record (4-3 in the BIG EAST).

All-Time Series:

UConn leads the all-time series 13-2, securing a 16-6 win over the 'Cats in Storrs last year on 4/3/24. The Huskies picked up a victory last time they came to Villanova with a 19-12 victory on 4/5/23.

Watch and Follow: All BIG EAST conference games will be streamed on Flo Sports. Follow UConn women's lacrosse on Instagram, X, and Facebook @UConnwlax.