NEW YORK – After posting a save and a win in a pair of victories at South Florida, sophomore pitcher Jake Francis was named to the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll, the conference announced Monday (March 10). This is the first weekly honor of Francis' career.
 
In a 12-9 win over the Bulls on Saturday (March 8), Francis shut down USF in the late innings, allowing just two hits and no runs in a five-out save. Then, less than 24 hours later, he pitched two innings in relief on Sunday (March 9), did not allow an earned run and was credited with the win.
 
Francis improved to 2-0 and recorded his second save over the weekend. He currently leads the Wildcats with a 2.96 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. Opposing hitters have recorded a .242 batting average against him this season, the third lowest on the Villanova pitching staff.
 
Francis and the Wildcats will take the field next in the first of a five-game homestand on Wednesday (March 12) against Monmouth at Villanova Ballpark in Plymouth Meeting, Pa. First pitch is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on FloSports.