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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Villanova University baseball team remains in the Sunshine State this week for a midweek matchup at North Florida on Wednesday, March 4 (6:05 p.m.), before opening a three-game weekend series at Florida A&M beginning Friday, March 6 (4:00 p.m.).

THIS WEEK


North Florida – Wednesday, March 4 | 6:05 p.m.
Florida A&M – Friday, March 6 | 4:00 p.m.
Florida A&M – Saturday, March 7 | 2:00 p.m.
Florida A&M – Sunday, March 8 | 1:00 p.m.

LAST TIME OUT
Villanova dropped all three games in its third series of the season on the road at Florida Atlantic.

The Wildcats fell 11-4 in the opener after FAU jumped out to a five-run lead and never relinquished control.
On Saturday, Villanova struck first in the third inning when freshman Larry Hotaling doubled to right field to give the ‘Cats the early edge. The Owls answered in the bottom half of the frame and broke the game open with a seven-run seventh inning en route to an 11-5 win.
In the finale, FAU plated six runs in the first and four in the second to seize early momentum. Villanova chipped away behind two RBI from Austin Lemon but ultimately fell 15-5.

LEMON & FREITAG PRODUCE
Sophomores Austin Lemon and John Freitag provided a bright spot offensively for the Wildcats.

Lemon recorded six hits across the three games and drove in three runs, including a two-RBI performance in Sunday’s finale.
Freitag also tallied three RBI on two hits during the series.
Villanova scored 14 runs at FAU, with Lemon and Freitag accounting for six of them.

SERIES HISTORY


Villanova is 1-2 all-time against North Florida, with all three previous meetings taking place in Florida.
This weekend marks the first-ever meeting between Villanova and Florida A&M.

SHARP IN THE FIELD
Villanova has continued to show consistency defensively in the early part of the season.

The Wildcats committed just two errors in three games at FAU.
VU turned in two error-free performances during the series.
After a shaky opener at FIU, the ‘Cats have settled in defensively and have committed nine errors on the season.

SCOUTING NORTH FLORIDA
North Florida enters the week with an 8-5 record after posting a 27-29 mark in 2025, including a 15-15 ASUN finish.

The Eagles are riding a three-game winning streak after sweeping Presbyterian.
UNF has also claimed series wins over Sacred Heart and Quinnipiac and owns a victory over Florida A&M.
Matthew Farner has been red-hot at the plate, hitting over .400 with six home runs and 17 RBI.
On the mound, Stone Dakota is 3-0 with 21 strikeouts in 12 scoreless innings this season.

SCOUTING FLORIDA A&M

Florida A&M went 33-25 overall and 24-6 in SWAC play last season before finishing as SWAC runner-up.

The Rattlers are 3-8 to begin the 2026 campaign.
Their wins have come against Eastern Illinois and twice against Central Connecticut State.
Justen Crews leads the offense, batting over .300 with 12 hits on the season.

HOME OPENER UPDATE
Due to inclement weather, Villanova’s home opener against Towson has been rescheduled for May 6 at 3:05 p.m.
The Wildcats will now open their home schedule on March 10 against La Salle at 3:30 p.m.
 
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