NEW YORK – For the first time this season, Villanova fifth-year Makayla Stadler has earned Defensive Player of the Week honors, as announced by the BIG EAST office on Monday.

Stadler has been splitting time between forward and defender this season, playing 180 minutes as a centerback this week in draws against Penn and Cornell. She scored her fourth goal of the season on Sunday, giving her a share of the team's lead for goal scoring this year. This is her second time on the weekly award ledger this season, earning an Honor Roll spot back on August 28.

The Glenview, Ill. native helped the Wildcats bounce back from their first deficit this season, coming up clutch on a set piece. In the 28^th minute of Sunday's contest against Cornell, Villanova was awarded a free kick. Ire Omotayo's set piece flew into the box, just over the head of a Cornell defender and onto that of Stadler. Her header sailed into the net, evening the game at 1-1. That goal helped the team notch its third consecutive draw, moving the 'Cats to 3-0-5 on the year with an 11-game undefeated streak that spans back to the 2022 season.

Stadler and the Wildcats return to action on Sept. 24 as they welcome Seton Hall to town for the conference opener. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.