NEW YORK -- A trio of Wildcats earned BIG EAST weekly accolades following the upset victory at No. 7 Penn State on Saturday afternoon. First-year midfielder Kessy Cox was selected as the BIG EAST Freshman of the Week while Nick Lucchesi and Jake Melchionni picked up Honor Roll mentions.

Cox earned the league's opening rookie of the week honor after striking for a pair of goals in his collegiate debut, getting three of his four shots on goal as his team picked up a massive victory. The freshman earned the start out of the midfield and pitched in two pivotal second half goals, including an unassisted tally with 4:27 remaining to bring the Wildcats back within one.

Lucchesi is on the honor roll after leading the Wildcats with four points, totaling a hat trick in addition to an assist and three ground balls. The junior scored goals in the second and fourth quarters as the 'Cats toppled the Nittany Lions in overtime, starting the season off with a bang. The 6-foot midfielder tied with a pair of PSU players for the game lead in both points (four) and goals (three).

Melchionni joined his classmate on the honor roll after hoovering up a team-best six ground balls against the Nittany Lions, also forcing two turnovers to help the 'Cats to a victory. Villanova's lead LSM was the game's leader in ground balls among non-faceoff athletes in addition to tying for VU's high in caused turnovers for the contest.

Cox, Lucchesi, Melchionni and the Wildcats will open up their home slate this coming weekend, hosting the Saint Joseph's Hawks on Saturday afternoon at 12 p.m. from Villanova Stadium.