‘Cats adjusting to new system

Natalie Balthrop

Villanova women’s lacrosse has faced many challenges this season. In its first season under head coach Jebb Chagan the ‘Cats have changed their style of play and are working to adjust to the new challenges that arise. With three tough games on their schedule during spring break, the team knew its program was ready for the competition. Beginning with Iona, the Wildcats entered the game with an open mind.

“We knew nothing about Iona before the game. It was the first time we had ever played them before. It was a very important game for us because we came ready to play,” said senior defender Palley Jackson. After two halfs of competition, the game was sent into overtime. ‘Nova left the game victorious by a score of 15-14. “The fact that we were able to pull through in the end says a lot about our team.” Jackson said.

The victory over Iona earned junior goalkeeper, Jess Brozena as Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week and freshman attacker Taylor Lucy Rookie of the Week honors. Brozena stopped 22 shots and Lucy scored four goals in the game versus Iona.

After Iona, the ‘Cats were ready for business. The competition for the rest of the week would prove to be tough with Drexel and Holy Cross on the schedule.

“We knew going into Drexel that it would be a really hard game and a learning experience for our program,” Jackson says. Although the ‘Cats fell to Drexel 17-5, it was a hard fought game as the ‘Cats battled back, scoring all five goals in the second half.

This past Sunday, ‘Nova started its Patriot league play with a game against Holy Cross. The team knew Holy Cross would be a tough team to beat, but were excited to begin the intensity of conference play.

“Holy Cross was a big game, our first league game,” senior co-captain Cindy Koza said. “We came out hungry for revenge and a win. We played our best lacrosse in the first 10 minutes.” Despite the 15-5 loss, the ‘Cats again battled back to score three goals late in the second half. The team has the next week off, and looks forward to its next challenge. “It’s always hard to come back from a loss,” said Koza. “The only thing you can do is use it as motivation to work harder and learn from the mistakes so we can prepare for Colgate. We have a full week off to focus on that game.”

The ‘Cats next play Saturday at Colgate.