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Villanova Wildcats men's lacrosse

The Villanova Wildcats men's lacrosse team represents Villanova University in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I men's lacrosse. The Wildcats were elevated to the varsity level in 1981 after competing as a club sport since 1961.

History

Villanova currently competes as a member of the Big East Conference and plays their home games at Villanova Stadium in Villanova, Pennsylvania.

Villanova competed as an independent until joining the Colonial Athletic Association in 2002; winning the CAA tournament for their first title in 2009. The fourth-seeded Wildcats were the lowest-seeded champions in conference tournament history but had qualified for conference tournament for the fifth year in a row. Villanova also made their first NCAA tournament appearance in 2009 but lost in the first round to the top-seeded Virginia, 18–6.

A pivotal point for the program occurred in 2009 under head coach Mike Corrado. The Wildcats secured their first NCAA Tournament appearance after earning an at-large bid, marking a milestone in the program's history. That season also featured Villanova's first win over a top-10 opponent, solidifying their place on the national stage.

Notable players

Several standout players have made significant contributions to the Villanova Wildcats Men's Lacrosse program:

  • Brian Karalunas: A defensive midfielder known for his unmatched work ethic and on-field intelligence. He earned USILA First-Team All-American honors in 2011 and was awarded the Senior CLASS Award for excellence in athletics, academics, and community service.
  • Kevin Cunningham: A versatile attackman and team leader, Cunningham was instrumental in the Wildcats' success during the 2011 season, earning All-Big East honors.
  • Jack Rice: One of the program's all-time leading scorers, Rice was known for his clutch performances and finishing ability, particularly during the Wildcats' NCAA Tournament runs.
  • Chris Ficke: A reliable defenseman, Ficke played a crucial role in anchoring the Wildcats' defensive unit during their successful 2009 and 2011 campaigns.
  • T.J. O'Donnell: A midfielder whose consistent performances and leadership helped guide the team through some of its most successful seasons.

2011 Roster

The 2011 Villanova Wildcats Men's Lacrosse roster was as follows:

Season results

The following is a list of Villanova's results by season as an NCAA Division I program: