The Wildcats start 3-0 in BIG EAST action for the first time since 2013
VILLANOVA, Pa. – Men’s Lacrosse continued their hot streak, picking up their third BIG EAST victory and fourth win in a row, defeating the St. John’s Red Storm by a score of 10-7 on Saturday.
The Michener brothers tallied six points for the Wildcats’ offense, en route to helping VU earn their first 3-0 BIG EAST start since 2013, when they took down Syracuse, Georgetown, Rutgers, and St. John’s to start conference action. Also, the ‘Cats collected their first four-game winning streak since 2023.
The younger of the two, Gavin, recorded his second multi-goal game in BIG EAST play thus far, scoring three times and recording his first career hat trick.
Photo Gallery:Villanova Wildcats vs St. John’s Storm 4/12/25
The Red Storm struck first off the stick of Brian Kelly, who would go on to net four more for SJU.
It took the Wildcats another five minutes to answer back, scoring on an extra-man opportunity with 4:30 remaining in the first quarter by Quinton Cepiel.
This goal was the first of six consecutive Wildcat goals, which included the first goal of the day for Nicholas Lucchesi, the first of the season for Tyler Boes, and Gavin Michener’s second time in BIG EAST play scoring two goals within four minutes of action.
St. John’s was able to capitalize one more time before the break, as the Wildcats entered the intermission leading 6-2. This was the second time during their winning streak holding the opposition to two or fewer goals in the first half.
Villanova conceded a goal to start the second half but answered back on Luke Williams’ second goal in as many games.
The Red Storm started another attack, as Kelly launched three goals in a row into the back of the net, stifling the Villanova offense for 15 minutes across the end of the third stanza and start of the final quarter.
After a St. John’s timeout while the Wildcats led 7-6, they committed turnovers on two consecutive possessions leading to goals by Luke Raymond and G. Michener’s third of the day, extending the lead to three.
Kelly scored one final time with 2:01 remaining but was answered back by Lucchesi’s second score of the contest, icing the game for VU.
George Glomb notched a career high in faceoff win percentage on a minimum of five attempts, going 8-12 (.667%) on the day. The sophomore helped Villanova to their eighth game defeating the other team at the Center “X” on the season.
The Michener’s and coach Mike Corrado were interviewed after the game by sideline reporter Tessa Peloso; check below to hear what they had to say.
FAST FACTS
Brett Mallee, Jake Melchionni, and Jack Shoemaker all had three caused turnovers in today’s contest, marking the first time that three Wildcats have each forced three or more CTOs in a game since April 6, 2024, against Providence.
Colin Michener has tallied at least three points in each of his last five games and tied his longest stretch of multi-point games, matching the one he started his career off with.
Beau Kemler had his fourth consecutive game causing at least two turnovers and picking up at least five ground balls. He leads the nation amongst all non-faceoff-involved players in ground balls with 44.
In Melchionni’s two starts this season, he has forced a combined six turnovers and nabbed 10 ground balls. His seven ground balls scooped up today matched a career high.
Despite saving a season-low four shots, Denis Fargione allowed his second fewest goals of the season, lowering his GAA to 9.16 on the season.
The last time that the Wildcats allowed less than 10 goals in four straight games was when they went on the aforementioned six game winning streak in 2023, as their final five wins of that streak held all opponents under double-digits.
Villanova has scored 10 goals in each game of their four-game winning streak, a mark that they only reached once before the stretch.
ALUMNI DAY
Villanova Men’s Lacrosse welcomed alumni of the program for a pregame reception and a halftime recognition ceremony, spearheaded by alums Bob Heugle ’75 and Bill Henderson ’85. Interviews from the broadcast involving Sean Haggerty ’92 and Danny Seibel ’18 will be shared later this week.
UP NEXT
After this matchup, Villanova will remain home to face the Marquette Golden Eagles on April 19 at noon. The team will be celebrating Senior Day, honoring their four fifth-year players and eight graduating seniors.