NEW YORK – After opening conference play with a win Saturday, three Villanova players earned weekly awards from the BIG EAST on Monday. Meredith Palmer was tabbed Defensive Player of the Week, Hannah Dickinson landed Goalkeeper of the Week and Tea Gambardella was lauded as Freshman of the Week.
 
All three honorees helped Villanova to land its fifth shutout of the season with a 1-0 win over Seton Hall on Saturday. The Wildcats defense was stout in the win, holding Seton Hall to a season-low two shots with none on goal. It was the first time that the Wildcats did not allow a shot on frame since August 31, 2008.
 
Palmer was on the pitch for all 90 minutes on Saturday, the sixth time she has done so this season. Both her and Gambardella created opportunities for the Villanova offense throughout the game, moving the ball down field well.
 
Dickinson collected her second weekly award of the season and the second Goalkeeper of the Week honor of her career. Palmer and Gambardella are both first-time honorees for their respective awards.
 
The trio and the rest of the Wildcats are back at home Wednesday as they host Creighton at 4 p.m.