The women’s lacrosse team defeated Long Island University 15-7 in a game at LIU Field in Brooklyn on March 30. In the first eight minutes of the game, the Wildcats dominated, putting six goals in the net. Junior Taryn McKenna led the offense, scoring three of the first six. At the 12-minute mark, LIU responded with two converted free position goals; however it was not enough to catch the Wildcats’ impressive offense, as they put an additional three goals on the board before the end of the first period. With just 15 seconds left before halftime, LIU’s Allison Funk scored her first of three, to narrow the Villanova lead to 9-3.

A strong opening to the second half by the Wildcats made an LIU comeback nearly impossible, as McKenna added her fourth, assisted by junior Katie Stone. Just 30 seconds later, Stone added one of her own, followed by another from junior Meredith Kolmer, both assisted by sophomore Kyler O’Shea. The Blackbirds brought it to 12-4 when Funk scored her second, but O’Shea was quick to rally back, putting her second goal on the board. LIU’s strong offensive effort helped it to score two consecutive goals with 10 minutes remaining, but at a 6-14 deficit, it was already too late. Funk’s third and final goal for LIU came sandwiched between two from the Wildcats from freshman Allie Whelan and McKenna. Freshman goalie Maggie Langan made seven saves in Villanova’s 15-7 win.

With the victory, Villanova notched its third win of the season in nine attempts. The ‘Cats only hold one home victory on the year; a 10-8 contest over the Iona Gaels.

The Wildcats (3-6) will battle Monmouth at home tomorrow evening at 7 p.m. in the first of three-straight home games. ‘Nova will take on Mount St. Mary’s on Sunday. — A.G.