Women's tennis junior Lexi DeNucci was named the Rothman Orthopedics' February Student-Athlete of the Month after a standout month in the classroom and on the court.

DeNucci, who has played in the No. 3 singles spot this season, went 3-0 in singles play in February and 2-1 in doubles play.

During that span, she helped Villanova defeat BIG EAST rival St. John's for the first time in 20 seasons.

This past week when the team traveled to California, she recorded a 3-0 record in singles and helped her team secure three victories.

The Wildcats are now 7-1 on the season, one of the best starts to a season in school history.

DeNucci is an economics major who boasts a 3.679 GPA.

"I am very excited to be chosen at the Rothman Orthopedics' Student-Athlete of the Month! I would not have had any success on and off the court if it were not for my amazing teammates, coach, trainers or mentors along the way. Thank you to everyone that has helped me get to where I am today," DeNucci said about receiving the honor.

DeNucci was also named the BIG EAST Athlete of the Week on Feb. 18.

Head coach Steve Reiniger said that DeNucci sets the standard both in the classroom and on the tennis court.

"Lexi is an exemplary student athlete with an incredible work ethic in her third year at Villanova.  Often, Lexi gets to practice early to spend extra time grooving her groundstrokes to better prepare for matches.  With just under a 3.7 GPA, she works just as hard in the classroom as she does on the tennis court," Reiniger said.

"Additionally, Lexi leads by example with great intensity not only in matches but in practice too raising the level of the entire team.  This season she is graciously playing in the number three singles position after admirably playing number one during her freshman and sophomore years.  I cannot say enough about the positives that Lexi brings to our team."