UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Villanova is set for its season opener at No. 15 Penn State. It marks the sixth time out of the last seven seasons the 'Cats have faced the Nittany Lions in the season opener and 17^th time the sides will meet since 2005. Penn State leads the all-time series 9-8 with Villanova taking the last two matchups.

Setting the Scene: Coming off a 10-5 finish last season, Villanova was picked fourth in the BIG EAST coaches' poll after graduating 11 seniors. Penn State, fresh off a national semifinal appearance, was picked second in the BIG 10 and opened at No. 4 in the Inside Lacrosse Media Poll. The Nittany Lions dropped their season opener to Colgate 13-12 last week.

Must See Matchups: Reid Colwell was the only Wildcat to receive preseason accolades being named to the All-BIG EAST Preseason Team and an Inside Lacrosse and USA Lacrosse All-American. Penn State boasts five preseason All-Americans including attacker TJ Malone, who led the Nittany Lions with 39 goals and 34 assists last season and put up seven assists against Colgate. Justin Coppola and Chase Mullins will be dueling for face off wins all afternoon. Coppola enters his final season as Villanova's all-time leader in ground balls with 342 as Mullins began his sophomore campaign with an impressive 19 face off wins against the Raiders.

Game Information: Opening face off is set for 12 p.m. at Panzer Stadium.  The game can be seen live on BIG 10+.