CHARLOTESVILLE, Va. — The Villanova softball team is set to conclude its non-conference tournament slate Friday to Sunday at the UVA Party at Palmer Invitational hosted by Virginia at Palmer Park.

The 'Cats (0-15) will be seeking their first win of the season and momentum to take into BIG EAST play. 

The Party at Palmer Invitational will be the second ACC-hosted tournament VU attends after competing in the Georgia Tech-hosted Buzz Classic to open the season. 

Playing ACC competition this season, Villanova is 0-4 and will be looking for its first win over an ACC opponent since defeating Boston College 11-2 in Brighton, Mass April 6, 2025. 

VU starts its weekend with a matchup against Michigan (12-3) Friday. It will be the 'Cats first game against the Wolverines since March 4, 2011, a game VU lost 9-0. 

Villanova then plays Bucknell (1-8) for the first time in 24 years. The last time the Bison and 'Cats played was April 9, 2002, when Villanova won 1-0. 

A second game with Bucknell starts the day Saturday before the 'Cats face off against Virginia (13-1). The Cavaliers defeated Villanova 5-1 March 30, 2024 in the teams' last game. 

VU closes out the weekend Sunday against Michigan. 

Lilly St. Jean leads Villanova at plate, slashing .290/.548/.463. St. Jean has hit two home runs, has six RBIs and nine hits on the season. 

Kat Gallant broke out for the 'Cats last weekend, pitching 14 1/3 innings, striking out 11, walking four and only surrendering two earned runs.