Preview: Pirates and Wildcats meet in showdown at Walsh Gym

Date: January 6, 2021

By: Jimmy Bliss

Seton Hall Athletics

The Pirates take the floor on Wednesday, looking to win their second consecutive game as they host the Villanova Wildcats. Seton Hall split their season series with Villanova last season, but history is on the Wildcats’ side coming into Wednesday afternoon’s affair as the Wildcats lead the all-time series 44-23.

 

The Pirates are led by sophomore sensation Lauren Park-Lane. Park-Lane has been nothing short of sensational this season for Seton Hall this season, averaging 19 points and six assists-per-game. The sophomore from Wilmington, Del. is the third highest scorer in the Big East, and only looks to improve from here on out. Against Big East competition, LPL averages 24.5 points-per-game, dominating against UConn and Providence. She is definitely the star player for the Pirates and will be the sole reason why Seton Hall has a chance to win this game.

 

Park-Lane has a good supporting cast around her, as Mya Jackson, Desiree Elmore, and Andra Espinoza-Hunter all average double-digit points per game. Jackson, Park-Lane’s partner in the backcourt, averages 17 points-per-game and is a constant nuisance to the opposition. In order for Seton Hall to improve to 2-1 in conference play, and 4-2 overall, Jackson will need to have a big impact against Villanova.

Seton Hall Athletics

As for the Wildcats, they should come into Wednesday’s game with little confidence. They sit at 7-2, with their only losses coming at the hands of ranked opponents. However, Villanova lost their last two games, and neither game was close. Dropping games against UConn and DePaul consecutively, head coach Denise Dillon will need to conjure up something special to avoid her third straight defeat. Dillon also has big shoes to fill as the Wildcats head coach as she replaces Harry Perretta after his stint of 42 years.

 

A huge positive for the Wildcats is their star forward Maddy Siegrist. She averages 24 points-per-game, which is the most in the Big East. Siegrist is the heart and soul of this Villanova team, and if the Pirates can slow her down, they have a great chance of winning this game.

Villanova Athletics

Aside from Siegrist, Brianna Herlihy and Sarah Mortenson are two other key contributors, who each average over 12 points per game. If too much attention is given to Siegrist, Herlihy and Mortenson are more than capable of taking over the game, and leading Villanova to a win. This ought to be a doozy.

 

Make sure you tune in to 89.5 FM WSOU on Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 1:00 p.m. to listen to the game. The wonderful and talented duo of Liam Plate and Ronny Casteneda will be on the call, with the lovely team of Wilnir Louis, Rony Jerez and Heaven Hill all working in the studio.

Jimmy Bliss can be reached at james.bliss@student.shu.edu.

Posted in: Game Previews, Sports, Women's Basketball, WSOU