Villanova and Notre Dame set to play doubleheader in Rome
The schools' men's and women's teams will open their seasons against each other in the Eternal City on Sunday.
By Cecilia Martin ·
Fans of two American Catholic universities will watch their teams compete in Rome this Sunday. Villanova and Notre Dame have scheduled a rare doubleheader where both their men's and women's basketball squads will face off in the same city.
The event, named the Eternal City Tip-Off, marks the first time either school has opened its season with international play. The men's game will take place first, followed immediately by the women's contest. This setup is unusual for early October, a time when most college teams are still adjusting to the rhythm of the competitive season.
Denise Dillon, head coach of the Villanova women's team, described the matchup against a top-20 program led by an All-American player. She said her team must battle hard and continue to emphasize the importance of their program. The coaching staff views the opponent as a serious challenge for the start of the year.
The connection between the two schools and the current pope has added a layer of excitement for the Villanova community. Robert Prevost, a 1977 graduate of Villanova, is now Pope Leo XIV. The timing places him at the center of the event as the teams prepare to play in the city that serves as the seat of the Vatican.
Both teams will meet with the pope at the Vatican before taking the court. Dillon, who identified religion as a major part of her life, said the opportunity to be in the pope's presence is overwhelming. She joked about her level of excitement, noting she hopes not to pass out or black out during the experience.
The visit represents a significant milestone for the athletic departments, which are looking to build momentum with a high-profile opening. The schools will rely on the energy of the occasion and the support of family and friends traveling to Rome. The games will serve as the season opener for both programs.
The doubleheader will conclude the initial planning phase for these teams as they head into the fall schedule. The presence of an American pope in the host city has drawn attention to the event beyond typical sports coverage. The teams will now focus on preparation for the specific challenges of playing on foreign soil.
Source: Delaware Public Media
