The women’s field hockey team played Miami of Ohio at St. Joe’s this past Sunday. The ‘Cats came out on top beating Miami (0-1), 4-2. However, it certainly was not an easy win.

Alyssa Nye of Miami scored the first goal at 25:36, but it wasn’t long before ‘Nova rebounded. Freshman Catherine Somits scored her first career goal at 29:53 to tie the game. Less than four minutes later, the Wildcats took the lead when Lauren Campanelli scored the second goal.

Determined not to let the Wildcats get away, the Redhawks managed to score 43 seconds into the second half to tie the game again.

Coming off of an outstanding performance in Saturday’s game, sophomore Megan Foster scored the game-winning third goal. Somits further secured Villanova’s lead after scoring off an assist from Campanelli.

On Saturday, the ‘Cats hosted their season opener and defeated the University of Vermont, 6-1. ‘Nova’s six goals featured a hat trick from Foster, as well as a goal each from the three forwards, Campanelli, Rory Rogers and Gina DeMaestri.

With a 2-0 record, the Wildcats are off to their best start since 1999. They have a strong team this year with some great returning players, as well as nine promising freshmen. In addition to Rogers, who had 10 goals last season, captains Vanessa Pizzulli and Simone Shunk are also sure to be big contributors this year.

On Monday, Foster, who doubled her number of career goals during the second half of Saturday’s game and currently leads the Big East in points, was named Big East Offensive Player of the Week.

For the past three years, the Wildcats have played in the Big East Tournament and with the guidance of head coach Joanie Millhouse and assistant coaches Andrea Grasso and Gina Rossi, are looking to make their way back again this year.

The Wildcats’ next match will take place at Villanova Stadium on Sept. 7 against Lock Haven University.