The Wildcats hosted Binghamton on Saturday, Feb. 8, marking the first meeting between the two ever. Binghamton University is currently the reigning champion of the American-East Conference, and finished its 2024 season with a record of 12-7. Despite a strong finish for the Bearcats last year, Villanova had no problem getting the job done, winning, 20-4.
“We’re setting up the first season for success,” senior attacker Sami Carey said. “I’m not surprised at all, because every single day, we’ve been playing like this.”
Villanova Stadium closely resembled a Bruno Mars concert, as “The Lazy Song” blared through the speakers each time Carey put up another goal. She led the way with five goals and six assists, tallying up a career high of 11 points on the day. Carey scored her five goals on five shots.
“I am so happy for Sami,” coach Jill Batcheller said. “She has been crushing it this whole year, and honestly, for her whole career, and she really deserves to shine.”
The ‘Cats started out strong as sophomore Rose Christie netted the first goal of the season in just the first minute of regulation. A few moments later, Christie grabbed her second goal of the game in a free position shot.
Villanova was then granted another eight meter opportunity after a yellow card on the Bearcats, and Madison Freeman scored the third goal of the game.
The Wildcats continued their spree and ended the first quarter up, 8-2.
They kept up the momentum all through the second quarter, racking up five more goals to put them up by 10 at the half, with a score of 3-13. Along with that, they were all over ground balls, and able to pick up the majority that were dropped by the Bearcats. The ‘Cats ended up beating Binghamton in the ground ball battle, 23-19.
The third and fourth quarters were no different.
Jillian Vaught put up three goals, and Carey netted two more. Additionally, freshman Lizzy Giordano scored the first goal of her collegiate career, and then another in the fourth. There was a high scoring distribution, with seven different players scoring at least one goal.
Vaught ended the day with a total of four goals, and right behind her was senior Sydney Pappas, scoring a hat trick.
Binghamton went scoreless throughout the entirety of the fourth, as defenders Maggie Masuret, Anne Edens, and Megan Lowe helped to keep the Bearcats out of the goal. Binghamton only had four shots on goal the entire game. The Wildcats were able to put up 28 shots on goal.
“We said in the beginning it was a fresh start every year for the team, and to play for each other,” Batcheller said. “I’m really proud [of] that, that’s exactly what this team did.”
The Wildcats will be back to host Saint Joseph’s on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 1 p.m.
