On Saturday, March 16, Villanova (4-3) defeated Monmouth (3-4) in a tight battle. The ‘Cats outlasted the Hawks, winning 12–11.

Monmouth opened the game with a goal from the first possession. 

Senior attack Matt Licata responded with two goals shortly after to put Villanova up 2–1.

The Hawks scored again with six minutes left in the period to tie the game, and ended the period with two more goals. 

The Wildcats headed into the second period down, 4–2.

Redshirt freshman attack Colin Michener began the second quarter by putting one in the back of the net, tightening the score, 4–3. 

Graduate attack Thomas McIntire and redshirt freshman attack David Link added to the scoreboard, putting Villanova in the lead, 5–4. McIntire found the back of the net again, extending Villanova’s lead to 6–4.

The ‘Cats headed into the second half up 6–4. 

Junior attack Dan Martin opened the second half with an unassisted goal, making the score 7–4. 

Monmouth found its rhythm in the second half when it finally broke Villanova’s five-goal streak, to tighten the score to 7–6.

Monmouth added another to the scoreboard, tying the game 7–7 with just four minutes left in the third period. 

Licata scored thirty seconds later, putting the ‘Cats on top, 8–7. 

An additional goal from Michener put Villanova up by two going into the final period.

Monmouth opened the fourth quarter with a goal to bring the score to 9–8. The Hawks continued their momentum by scoring two more goals, taking the lead, 10–9. 

Licata added another goal to his name, tying the scoreboard for the fourth time. Moments later, junior attack Luke Raymond and Michener both found the back of the net, putting Villanova back in the lead, 10–12. 

Monmouth scored after a timeout, but could not surpass the Villanova lead.

Men’s lacrosse is back in action on Tuesday, March 19, when it faces off against Navy in Annapolis, MD at 7 p.m.