INDIANAPOLIS – The Butler volleyball team improved to 10-6 overall with a 3-0 victory against Villanova on Saturday afternoon (25-18, 25-18, 25-20). The Bulldogs are now 2-2 in the BIG EAST.

Belle Obert was a driving force behind the Butler win as the outside hitter recorded a double-double with a match-high 15 kills to go with 12 digs. Makayla Ferguson set up the action with a team-high 31 assists and Brooke Ruffolo led the Bulldogs defensively with a match-high 17 digs.

Butler hit .243 on Saturday compared to 0.58 from the Wildcats. The Bulldogs also dominated action at the net by recording 10 team blocks compared to just five from the visitors. Erica Stahl led all players with a match-high five blocks. Obert was heavily involved as well with four blocks.

The first set was all Butler as the Bulldogs opened up an early 11-3 advantage. BU would never trail in the opener as the score went from 20-10 to eventually 25-18 after a service error from Villanova.

The second set of the night was by far the most bizarre as Butler recorded 16-straight points to erase a 10-2 deficit. Brooke Ruffolo served the ball during the stretch that took the score from 16-7 Wildcats to 23-16 in favor of the home team. Stahl got Butler to set point with a kill and Kayla Bivins sent BU into the break with a 2-0 lead after recording the set-winner off the Ferguson assist.

With momentum on their side, Butler ran away from Villanova in the third set to record the victory after a 9-3 run opened up a 22-15 lead. Attack errors would hurt the Wildcats in crunch time and outstanding plays from Belle Obert would eventually seal the win as her 15th kill of the evening was the match winner.

Butler will return to action on Wednesday, Oct. 8 with a home match vs. DePaul. The match will be held on campus at the Health and Recreation Center. Start time is slated for 2 p.m.