INDIANAPOLIS, In.-In an all-out battle, the Wildcats emerged victorious through five sets over the Butler Bulldogs. Villanova improves to 11-8 (3-4 BIG EAST) while Butler drops to 9-11 (3-4 BIG EAST).

The Wildcats spread the wealth on the attack with three players recording double-digit kills including a career-high 20 kills from Rose Crist, who went to high school 20 miles north of Butler University.

"Rose had a great homecoming and was great offensively all night," Villanova Volleyball Head Coach Josh Steinbach said.

The Bulldogs jumped out to an early 6-3 lead after a 3-0 run. Villanova quickly countered with a 4-0 run to gain the upper hand with a 7-6 lead. Leading 15-14, the Bulldogs began to pull away with a 6-0 run behind three kills and three Villanova attack errors for a 21-14 lead. Despite back-to-back kills from Riley Homer and Kiera Booth, Butler cemented the win with four consecutive points for a 25-16 first set win.

The Wildcats found their second wind in the second set and set the tone with an early 8-2 lead. Villanova reached their largest lead at 21-10 after a Booth kill. The lead loomed too large for Butler as Villanova took the second set, 25-20.

The third set had the most back-and-forth action for both sides. Trailing 5-2 early, the Wildcats went on a 5-0 run for a 7-5 lead. Butler answered with a 4-0 run to reclaim a 9-7 lead and the Wildcats were quick to counter with a 4-0 run of their own powered by a pair of Homer kills for an 11-9 lead. Both teams continued to trade blows until a pivotal moment late. After a Villanova attack error tied the game at 22, Butler went on a 3-1 run for a 25-23 third set win.

Villanova took the reins late in the fourth set. Leading 20-17, the Wildcats went on a 3-0 run to lead 23-17. The Bulldogs attempted a late rally and cut the deficit to 24-21 but a Homer kill cemented the 25-21 fourth set win.

In the final set between Villanova and Butler, the Wildcats struck early with a 6-1 lead. The Bulldogs were unable to keep up and the Wildcats took the final set 15-9 for a match win.

Inside the Box Score
Riley Homer tallied 15 kills, her sixteenth double-digit kill performance of the season.
Madeline Barber recorded a season-high 13 kills with a .500 attack percentage.
Belle Morgan dished out a season-high 48 assists.
 
Coach's Corner
Coach Steinbach on the key to defeating Butler.
"We served tough enough to get them in trouble in the fifth and controlled our errors in the sets we won."

The Wildcats will face Xavier University on Saturday, October 16 at 4:00 PM.