The field hockey team struggled to maintain its standing in the Big East as it clinched a win against St. Joe’s in overtime and went home upset against Providence. Their record is now 12-6 (3-2 Big East).

The rivalry game against St. Joe’s began with intensity from both sides of the field. Senior Lauren Campenelli scored the first goal off her own rebound, but the Hawks were able to answer back, both teams ending the half tied 1-1.

“No matter what either of our records are, it is always a tight game against St. Joe’s,” junior Stephanie Campbell said. “They always give us a good game.”

However, the Wildcats came out strong in the second half as freshman Emily Donaldson scored back-to-back goals, increasing the score to 3-1. Donaldson scored her first goal in the top right corner of the cage off of a pass from senior Megan Foster. She was able to score again off a scrum six minutes later.

“I definitely think we should have scored more,” Campbell said. “But we weren’t stringing passes together well.”

The Hawks eventually tied the game at the end of regulation play. In overtime Foster scored the winning goal to end the game 4-3.

“Neither team let up the entire game,” Campbell said. “In the end, it was the team who could put the ball in the cage.”

A battle between two of the top teams in the country took place as Villanova faced the Providence Friars on the road in conference play. At the end of the first half, the Wildcats remained scoreless against the Friars’ two goals.

“To get ready for Providence we focused a lot on defensive recovery and passing,” Campbell said. “However, we didn’t give ourselves many opportunities on goal, and I really have no idea what happened. We definitely should have had this game.”

In the second half, the Friars were able to score another goal to take a 3-0 lead on the Wildcats. Foster was able to score Villanova’s only goal of the game off a one-on-one chance against the goalie, her 25th goal of the season. The Friars out-shot the Wildcats 14-4.

“We have to rebound,” Campbell said. “Setbacks only set you up for greater things.”