VILLANOVA, Pa. — The Villanova softball team released its 2026 schedule Wednesday ahead of the program's 50th season.
Head coach
Bridget Orchard's eighth season leading the 'Cats will see the team face a competitive non-conference schedule, with 10 matchups against 2025 NCAA tournament teams.
VU opens its schedule Feb. 5 at Georgia Tech-hosted Buzz Classic, where it will compete with the Yellow Jackets and 2025 national seed Alabama on the first day, The 'Cats will then play Georgia Tech and East Carolina Friday and round out the tournament with the Pirates and the Crimson Tide Saturday.
A trip to American Conference opponent, Charlotte, comes next for Villanova on Friday, Feb. 13. Along with the hosting 49ers, the 'Cats will face 2025 NCAA tournament team, Virginia Tech and Michigan State.
Staying in The American, VU heads down to Boca Raton, Fla. Feb. 20 to take on another tournament team from last season, FAU at the FAU Paradise Classic. While in Florida, the Wildcats will also face UMass, Kansas and Southern Indiana.
The 'Cats round out their non-conference tournament slate in Charlottesville, Va., where they will face hosts Virginia at the UVA Party at the Palmer Invitational along with Michigan and Bucknell from Feb. 27 to March 1.
Villanova then plays Monmouth at West Long Branch, N.J. March 11 in its final matchup before BIG EAST play begins.
VU opens at home versus Butler in a rematch of the 'Cats' final game of last season. The home and BIG EAST opening series is scheduled from March 13-15.
Saint Joseph's visits the VU Softball Complex March 18 in a Big Five matchup.
Villanova's first BIG EAST road trip will take the team to Omaha, Neb. to face Creighton from March 20-23.
The 'Cats then return northeast to take on newly added Conference USA opponent Delaware, March 25.
From March 27-29, VU faces off against Georgetown at home in a three-game set.
Villanova travels to Storrs, Conn. April 3-5 to face reigning BIG EAST champions, UConn before a midweek tilt April 8 at home versus Delaware.
Seton Hall comes to VU April 10-12 before the 'Cats hit the road for a midweek matchup with Towson Wednesday April 15.
VU hosts George Mason April 18 for a doubleheader on Easter weekend.
The Wildcats' final BIG EAST road trip of the season is to Providence from April 24-26.
Villanova ends the regular season at home with four-straight, starting with Lehigh on April 28 before St. John's comes to the Main Line for a three-game set from May 1-3.
