Villanova Softball Opens BIG EAST Play at DePaul

The Wildcats look to continue their recent dominance over the Blue Demons

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Villanova softball team begins BIG EAST conference play this weekend with a three-game series against DePaul in Chicago. Villanova (2-18) is coming off a strong offensive showing in non-conference play and will look to carry that momentum into the matchup against DePaul (9-12), who have lost four of their last five games. The Blue Demons are led by standout hitter Chelsea Parker and pitcher Hannah Messer, but Villanova has dominated the series in recent years, winning 12 straight against DePaul since March 2022.

Why it matters

This series marks the start of BIG EAST play for both teams, setting the tone for the rest of the conference schedule. Villanova will look to build on its recent success against DePaul and establish itself as a contender in the BIG EAST, while the Blue Demons aim to turn things around after a rough start to the season.

The details

Villanova is led offensively by Megan Burrows, who was named to the BIG EAST Honor Roll after a strong performance at the UVA Party at Palmer Classic. Pitcher Kayla Kobryn also had a breakout weekend at the plate, hitting her first career home run. DePaul is paced by Chelsea Parker, who ranks second in the BIG EAST with five home runs, and Hannah Messer, who has a 2.35 ERA in the circle.

  • The three-game series begins on Friday, March 5, 2026 at 1 p.m.
  • The teams will also play on Saturday, March 6 at 12 p.m. and Sunday, March 7 at 12 p.m.

The players

Megan Burrows

A consistent force for Villanova in non-conference play, batting .260/.380/.413 with four doubles, a triple and five RBIs.

Kayla Kobryn

The Villanova pitcher broke out at the plate, hitting her first career home run and driving in seven runs over the weekend.

Chelsea Parker

The DePaul slugger is second in the BIG EAST with five home runs and is batting .414 on the season.

Hannah Messer

DePaul's ace pitcher has a 4-6 record in nine starts with a 2.35 ERA, good for third in the BIG EAST.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

All three games of the series will be streamed live on ESPN+.

The takeaway

This series marks a crucial start to BIG EAST play for both Villanova and DePaul, with the Wildcats looking to continue their recent dominance over the Blue Demons and establish themselves as a contender in the conference.