The women’s lacrosse team continued its undefeated season with a 21-8 win over Long Island University this Sunday at Villanova. The women’s record is now 4-0, the best start they have had in the last 10 years.

The first goal for the Wildcats was scored by senior Sarah Berger with a mere 1:12 into play.  Villanova added to its lead with a goal by junior Carly Miller. Up by two, Villanova allowed LIU to get on the board with a goal, but ‘Nova was fast to respond.  

Freshman Maria Bowman and sophomore Tricia Shanagan both netted goals to increase the Wildcats’ lead to 4-1. 

Sophomore Justine Donodeo, senior Erica Rybinski and senior Samantha McKillip all netted perfect goals to extend the Wildcat lead to 7-1 with still 18:38 to play in the first half.

LIU was able to get one past the ‘Cats to put another goal on the board, but Villanova kept dominating on offense. 

 Junior Rachel Lasda and Donodeo scored bringing the lead to 9-2. Before halftime, Bowman and Miller were able to score again to make the Wildcat lead 11-2 at the halfway mark. 

One minute into the second half, Dondeo scored her 18th goal of the season.  

The Wildcats didn’t let up the entire second half as they ended up earning the victory with a final score of 21-8. 

In goal, junior Maggie Langan made four saves.  Senior Cassie Eure finished up in goal for the Wildcats.

This season marks the first time the women’s lacrosse team will be participating in the Big East conference along with the men’s team. 

The move is sure to test the quality of the program, because now the Wildcats will face some of the top talent in the country on a regular basis. 

The women have competed against Big East schools in the past with mixed results, so with the undefeated start, there is hope that they can continue and grow as a club. 

“The challenge is substantial,” said Head Coach Jebb Chagan in an interview with Villanova Athletics. “We have played some Big East schools the last couple of years and had some real close games. But we’ve also had it taken to us at times. This is arguably the toughest conference in the country.”

While the team has yet to face any Big East schools this season, its hope is definitely high.

The women will continue their march toward conference play when they take on  La Salle at home on March 17 at 6:30 p.m.