Women’s Lacrosse Wins Back-to-Back, Improves Record to 7-2

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Ryan Sarbello/Villanovan Photography

Women’s lacrosse found success at home this weekend.

Elijah McDow, Staff Writer

The women’s lacrosse team had a successful past week, bringing home two commanding winds and improving its record to 7-2. 

The Wildcats played against Lafayette College midweek and won, 15-1. Saturday, they defeated Quinnipiac, 16-12. 

In the game against the Bobcats, the first quarter saw a lot of action from both teams. With six minutes left in the quarter, sophomore attacker Sydney Pappas tied the game, 2-2. This was followed by a goal by junior attacker Izzy Francati to give the Wildcats a 3-2 lead at the end of the quarter.  

However, the lead was short-lived, as Quinnipiac tied the game just two minutes into the second quarter. 

Head coach Jill Batcheller has preached to her team throughout the year to continue to fight.

“We talked about maintaining our composure,” Batcheller said. “I thought our team did a really good job of continuing to communicate and continuing to maintain our composure even when the plays weren’t working in their favor.” 

This message clearly reached sophomore attacker Sami Carey, who helped the Wildcats regain the lead, 4-3, with a goal.

While it looked like Villaonva was back on track, things quickly shifted when Quinnipiac scored two goals to take a 5-4 lead. 

But, continuing to keep their composure as Batcheller preached, the Wildcats responded once again when Pappas tied the game at 5-5, with eight minutes left in the quarter.  

This sparked a crucial run from Villanova, as it scored three more goals to take a 8-6 lead going into halftime.  

At the break, Batcheller commended her team for their efforts and made a few adjustments on both ends of the field.

“Offensively, we talked about the different looks we were going to be using,” Batcheller said. “We also talked about everyone being in the right spots on the plays.” 

Coming out of halftime, Quinnipiac scored an early goal, but Pappas also scored a goal that took the Wildcats’ lead back to two goals. For the second time in the game, Pappas sparked another run from the Wildcats. 

“Sydney is so consistent,” Batcheller said. “Sometimes I forget she is only a sophomore because she plays like she’s a leader.”  

Due to a few injuries, players like Pappas have had to step up and take on more prominent roles for the ‘Cats.

“Cate Gallagher, our goalie, has really stepped in,” Batcheller said. “ Izzy Francati has been doing a really great job stepping into the attack, and on defense, Liv Stoddard has also brought a lot of energy.” 

In addition to the growing role of Pappas and others, graduate attacker Caroline Curnal was the game’s biggest talking point. 

In the team win over Quinnipiac, Curnal recorded her 300th draw control in her Villanova career. 

“Her technique on the draws is amazing,” Batcheller said. “The confidence she has in herself being a fifth-year senior, she knows the changes she needs to make and her level of confidence from beginning to end is really what separates her.” 

While Quinnipiac was persistent on the attack, the Wildcats were able to extend their lead even further, resulting in a commanding 7-2 win on Saturday afternoon. 

Villanova is back on the road for its non-conference finale with Bucknell on Wednesday, followed by the start of Big East play on Saturday at No. 6 Denver.