Villanova men’s lacrosse (3-5) opened Big East play on Saturday, March 29 with a 10-9 overtime win over host University of Denver (5-5).
Redshirt sophomore Colin Michener scored the game-winning goal with two minutes and 52 seconds left in overtime.
“To get a win in the opener was a great way to start the Big East season,” Villanova head coach Mike Corrado said. “Getting the first one in conference is always important, especially being able to beat Denver, who’s been an elite team and very good at home.”
Freshman attacker Gavin Michener, graduate attacker Matt Licata and Colin Michener each scored two goals in the victory.
In the first quarter, Denver scored less than three minutes into the game.
Colin Michener’s first two shots on goal didn’t pass Denver senior goalie Malcolm Kleban, but his third attempt was successful, leveling the game with 10:18 to play in the first period.
The Pioneers quickly responded. They went on a two-goal run to take a 3-1 lead with 6:10 left in the quarter.
A goal from senior attacker Luke Raymond and seven first-half saves from freshman goalkeeper Denis Fargione helped the Wildcats remain competitive.
Villanova took its first lead of the game in the second quarter, 4-3, on freshman midfielder Daniel Flaim’s first collegiate goal. However, the Wildcats’ lead was short-lived, as the Pioneers scored back-to-back goals to go into halftime with a 6-4 lead.
After three minutes of second-half play, Gavin Michener scored his second goal of the game to trim the lead to 6-5. With four seconds left in the third quarter, Colin Michener scored his second goal of the afternoon to level the game.
Minutes into the fourth quarter, a goal from Denver senior midfielder Mic Kelly put the Pioneers back in front.
With just 10 minutes left in regulation, lightning in the Denver area halted play for one hour.
“I thought our players handled the delay well,” Corrado said. “For the most part the guys just relaxed. We went back on the field and there was a second lighting strike so we almost started once and then had to do it again but our guys stayed calm and relaxed and when it was time to play they were ready to go.”
One hour later the teams took the field to finish the game. The Wildcats instantly tied the score on a goal by Licata.
Four minutes later, Licata gave the Wildcats the lead with 6:38 left to play. Senior attacker Dan Martin doubled the lead a minute later.
The Pioneers narrowed the lead to 9-8 with 3:26 to play. The Wildcats ultimately conceded a ninth goal with 1:37 left in regulation.
Behind Fargione’s shot-stopping and Michener’s overtime game winner, the Wildcats left the Mile High City with a win.
“It’s a long flight and you’re not there very long,” Corrado said. “It’s a quick turnaround time, but the guys were great. I love being on the road. I think it’s a good time for your team to really bond and get to know each other, out of their normal setting. I thought overall the trip was great. The win made it even better.”
Up next for the Wildcats is a matchup on the road with Providence (4-6, 0-1 Big East) on Saturday, April 5 (noon, Flosports).
