Indianapolis, IND — The Villanova Wildcats rebounded decisively from an opening-set loss to defeat the Butler Bulldogs in four sets (19-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-23) at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Saturday night, November 1, 2025. The victory not only improved Villanova’s record to 17-6 overall (8-4 BIG EAST) but also halted Butler’s impressive three-match winning streak. The Bulldogs, who started the match strong, fell to 12-13 overall and 5-7 in conference play. The Wildcats’ balanced attack and crucial late-set execution proved the difference in a tightly contested BIG EAST battle.

➡️  Butler vs Villanova photos

The match began with Butler seizing immediate control, capitalizing on strong offensive momentum to dictate the pace of the first set. Key kills from Alaleh Tolliver and Ellery Rees gave the Bulldogs an early cushion, and a service ace from Maria Nix extended the lead to 13-8. Despite a late push by Villanova to narrow the gap to four points, Butler maintained its edge, ultimately securing the opening frame 25-19. However, the momentum quickly shifted in the second set. After trading points to an 18-18 deadlock, Villanova slammed the door shut, utilizing a powerful 7-1 run to capture the set 25-19, leveling the match at one set apiece.

Villanova continued to build on that momentum following the five-minute intermission, dominating the third set to take a commanding lead in the match. The Wildcats jumped out to a 13-6 advantage and rarely looked back. Despite a brief rally that saw a Butler block pull the home team within three points at 17-14, Villanova quickly squashed the threat and cruised to a 25-15 victory. Key contributors for the Wildcats included Abby Harrell, who led the team with a double-double (10 kills, 16 digs), and strong defensive play from both Cat Young (10 digs) and Reagan McGivern (6 blocks).

The fourth set saw the Bulldogs fight valiantly to extend the match, producing the night’s most thrilling final moments. Villanova held a steady lead, but Butler’s Alaleh Tolliver fueled a spirited 7-1 run late in the frame, providing the Bulldogs with a late 22-20 advantage. The Wildcats, however, showed poise under pressure, winning five of the final six points to clinch the set 25-23 and the match 3-1. A kill from Indianapolis native Taylor Lewis ultimately sealed the victory for Villanova, closing out a hard-fought road win.