Tori Schickel backs down a Villanova defender last season. Schickel led the Bulldogs with 22 points in the win. Jimmy Lafakis/Collegian file photo. 

DREW FAVAKEH | STAFF REPORTER | dfavakeh@butler.edu

In their first Big East game, the Butler women’s basketball team started strong by beating Villanova, 63-55. In what has become a trend, Tori Schickel shined with 22 points.

On a more surprising note, Katherine Strong posted 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting. For the usual scorers, the ball didn’t drop so easily. Kristen Spolyar, Whitney Jennings, and Michelle Weaver combined to shoot 4-for-18.

Villanova was careful with the ball, turning it over only eight times. For Butler, this was unusual and something to keep an eye on, as they lead the Big East in steals per game, with 12.8.

Villanova, in fact, looked like the better team for the second and third quarters, outscoring Butler in both segments. In the second quarter, it was 19-7 and 17-15 in the third. 

The Bulldogs are now 11-1 overall and 1-0 in conference. They have a quick turnaround, as they play Big East foe Georgetown on Dec. 31 in Washington D.C.