PHOENIX, AZ.-The Villanova Wildcats earned their third consecutive win of the season and second-straight sweep in a 3-0 win over Rider. With the win, Villanova improves to 3-1 while the Broncs drop to 0-4 to start the season.

"I thought we played better tonight than last time with Rider, especially in serving and passing," Villanova Volleyball Head Coach Josh Steinbach said.

The Wildcats went on an 8-2 tear in the first set that was highlighted by five kills from the duo of Clare Delaplane and Maddie Barber. Rider began to claw back within two to cut the deficit to 20-18 but they couldn't get over the hump. Villanova went on a 5-1 run to secure the 25-19 set win. Barber led the team with five kills including one for the set point.

"Maddie had a great night," Villanova Volleyball Head Coach Josh Steinbach said. "She saw the floor well and Belle (Morgan) found her."

The Wildcats picked up where they left off in the first set by grabbing an 8-3 lead early. The Broncs struggled to grab the upper hand throughout the set and a 4-0 run by the Wildcats was the difference maker that gave Villanova a 20-11 lead. Rider tried to mount a comeback late but a kill from Sanaä Barnes cemented the 25-19 set win.

"Having Sanaa on the floor clearly gives us a boost," Steinbach said.

Villanova's toughest test occurred in the third set. Down 4-3 early, Rider responded with a 5-0 run to lead 8-4 powered by a pair of kills from Tori Schrader. Riley Homer later helped bring the Wildcats back in the match with a pair of kills that led to a 4-0 run and tied it at 13. Rider responded with three consecutive points and Villanova counted with four of their own for a 17-16 lead. The Wildcats continued to fight and went on a 5-0 run and led 22-17. Villanova finished strong by winning three of the next five serves for a 25-19 set win and their second straight sweep.

"Set three was work and we didn't play as clean as we would've liked but it's good that we got it together," Steinbach said.

Riley Homer led Villanova's attack with 12 kills, her third straight double-digit effort this season.

"Riley continues to be a premier attacker and showed that she can get herself through a rough patch that she had early in the match," Steinbach said.

Throughout the match, four Wildcats recorded seven or more kills against Rider. Belle Morgan led the team with 35 assists while Averi Salvador recorded a season-high 17 digs.Villanova takes on Western Carolina University on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.