Butler continues BIG EAST play as they host Villanova in a three-game series that will serve as the 2021 home opener, starting with a doubleheader on Saturday, March 20. First pitch for game one is set for Noon, followed by a 2 p.m. start time for game two.
 
The final game of the series, a reschedule from Friday due to weather, is set for Sunday at 3 p.m. All three games will be streamed on the Butler Athletics YouTube channel.
 
The Bulldogs are now 9-8 on the season after going 2-1 last weekend in their first BIG EAST series against Seton Hall.
 
Villanova is 8-7 this season and have won their last five games. This weekend will be the first conference match-up for the Wildcats.
 
Lauren Fey and Karli Ricketts continued to shine for the Bulldogs in the Seton Hall series as both earned spots on the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll after their performances.
 
Fey had the best batting average (.556) and on base percentage (.667) in the BIG EAST last weekend. For the entire season so far, Fey leads the BIG EAST in hits with 24 and walks with 15. She is also second in batting average (.500), on base percentage (.619), triples (2), and stolen bases (9).
 
Ricketts picked up another two wins last weekend with a 1.87 ERA and 13 strikeouts. She also added another four RBI and a home run. Her 20 RBI on the season leads the BIG EAST. She is also tied for second in home runs (4) and doubles (5).
 
From the circle, Ricketts is also on the BIG EAST leaderboard in several categories. She is tied for most strikeouts (58) and wins (6), second in innings pitched (54.1), and third in both ERA (2.45) and opposing batting average (.234).
 
Ricketts has combined with Alyssa Graves to lead the Butler pitching staff to one of the best In the BIG EAST. Butler pitching has the best ERA (2.83), is leading in strikeouts (111), and has the second lowest opposing batting average (.247).
 
After this weekend, the Bulldogs will head to UConn for a three-game series starting with a double-header on March 27.