LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Villanova field hockey team will travel to Lynchburg, Va. To take on #7 Liberty at 3:00 p.m. with BIG EAST tournament implications.

Villanova is fresh off a win over Providence in their final home game of the season. VU bested the Friars, 4-2, in an important BIG EAST showdown. The contest was important for both sides, as the winner would still be alive for a spot to compete in the BIG EAST tournament. The lost for Providence eliminated them from contention, but with the win for Villanova, the 'Cats are alive and in prime position to secure a BIG EAST tournament berth. VU got some help from Georgetown, who defeated Temple to knock the Owls out of contention. The BIG EAST tournament has been narrowed down to just one more spot. Liberty, UConn, and ODU have all clinched a spot in the tournament. The last team will be decided this week, with either Villanova or Quinnipiac being the last team in. The 'Cats are in with a win OR a Bobcats loss. QU will get in with a win AND a Wildcats loss. Quinnipiac faces UConn at home on Friday at 3:00 p.m.

Liberty is nationally ranked #7 in the nation as of 10/28. The Flames are burning right now, they have won their last four games and come in sporting a 14-2 overall record, with a perfect 6-0 record in the BIG EAST this season. The only two Liberty losses have come against top five teams. The Flames have fallen to then #2 North Carolina and #3 Virgina on the road by a combined three points. Liberty has some notable wins on their record this season, they began their campaign by defeating #5 Duke, 3-2, and dominated at the time #17 Appalachian State. Liberty secured a thrilling win in a shootout against Temple, 3-2, to help Villanova in the BIG EAST tournament race. The last time out for the Flames, LU cruised to a 7-1 win against Longwood.

The game on Friday will be streamed on ESPN +.