Despite keeping the game tied through the first fifteen minutes, the Villanova women’s lacrosse team (3-14, 0-6 Patriot League) was defeated by Saint Joseph’s University (5-9, 1-4 A-10) by a score of 14-8 in their final game of the season Tuesday afternoon in Philadelphia, Pa.

Although only down by three at halftime, the ‘Cats were unable to rebound from an outburst of goals from St. Joe’s that began late in the first half and continued through the second. Christina Bahrs and Taylor Lucy led ‘Nova’s scoring with two goals, and Kathleen Kelly posted a goal and three assists of her own on the day.

Both teams got to work scoring early in the game. The Hawks netted their first goal just under a minute into the match, but Villanova’s Bahrs responded less than two minutes later to tie the game. After a quick St. Joseph’s goal, Bahrs would score her second of the game off of an assist from Kelly. The ‘Cats took their first lead of the game with a free position shot taken by Stevie McFadden. The Hawks would regain their lead, however, with two goals only forty seconds apart. Despite this, the ever persistent Villanova team would strike again to reclaim the lead for the last time in the match. Kelly scored on a free position shot, and Lucy netted her first of the game with an unassisted goal at the 17:26 and 16:21 marks, respectively. The Wildcat lead did not last long. St. Joe’s went on to score four goals before the first half ended. With an unassisted tally from Becky Gardner with eight minutes to go, the Hawks took an 8-6 lead into the dressing room at the half.

Saint Joseph’s started the second half with a bang, going on a five goal run in thirteen minutes. Lucy and senior captain Cindy Koza each scored off of passes from Kelly, but they were not able to make up for the goal deficit. St. Joe’s Christina Colangelo scored her fifth goal of the game to bring the final score to 14-8.

Jessica Brozena suffered a loss despite posting six saves in this final game of the season. Although loosing by six goals, Villanova had just one less shot than the Hawks and allowed fewer turnovers.

Villanova will bid farewell to seniors Palley Jackson, Kristen Morea and Koza, but the squad has much to look forward to for next season with three of the top four scorers returning for the 2007 season.