NEW YORK – The first BIG EAST women's lacrosse weekly awards of the year featured a Wildcat as midfielder Kate O'Neill was named BIG EAST Freshman of the Week on Tuesday after a dominant performance in her collegiate debut.

The West Chester native made an immediate impact in the 15-6 win over Towson, tying a VU program record with six caused turnovers. She also collected six ground balls and added a draw control, fueling Villanova's effort in the midfield.

She is the first Wildcat since 2017 to record six caused turnovers in a single game.

O'Neill and the 'Cats will take to the road this weekend, heading to Annapolis for a Saturday morning matchup at No. 10 Navy.