MIAMI, Fla. – Villanova baseball opened the 2026 season with a strong 7–4 victory over FIU on Friday, February 13.

VU RESPONDS
After FIU struck first in the opening inning on an unearned run, Villanova answered immediately in the top of the second. Redshirt sophomore and Rutgers transfer Mark Gialluisi doubled to right field in his first Wildcat at-bat, driving in sophomore John Freitag to tie the game at one. Later in the inning, freshman Jack Roventini scored on a wild pitch to give the Wildcats their first lead—one they would not relinquish for the remainder of the contest.

STRONG START FOR FRANCIS
Jake Francis delivered an impressive opening-day start, pitching four innings while allowing one earned run on five hits and striking out three. The junior retired eight consecutive batters at one point, showing no early-season rust.

Villanova added another run in the fourth inning on an error to extend the lead.

FINN TO THE RESCUE
FIU threatened in the bottom of the fifth, loading the bases with no outs. The Wildcats turned to senior Bobby Finn, who worked out of the jam while allowing just one run and preserving the Villanova advantage heading into the sixth inning.

FIU added another run in the sixth on a wild pitch, trimming the deficit.

'CATS RALLY IN THE EIGHTH
Villanova broke the game open in the eighth inning. Senior Michael Whooley launched a three-run home run to left-center field—his first of the season and the only homer hit by either team on the day. Transfer Carter Richey followed with a sacrifice fly later in the inning, pushing the Wildcats' total to seven runs.

After FIU plated a run in the bottom of the eighth, Villanova carried a 7–4 lead into the final inning.

A LITTLE MOORE
Senior Graham Moore entered to close the game and retired the Panthers in order to secure the victory.

Transfer Will Parkinson earned the win after striking out three over 1.1 innings, while Moore collected his first save of the season. UP NEXT
The Wildcats will face FIU (0–1) on Saturday (Feb. 14) at FIU Baseball Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m., and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+. INSIDE THE NUMBERS
1 – Earned run allowed by Villanova pitchers
3 – RBIs by Michael Whooley
4 – Runs scored in the eighth inning
5 – Hits allowed by Villanova
8 – Consecutive batters retired by Jake Francis
11 – Walks drawn by Villanova hitters
13 – Runners left on base by Villanova
17 – All-time meetings between the Wildcats and Panthers