On Saturday, April 11, Villanova women’s lacrosse (8-5, 2-2 Big East) hosted No.20 Denver (11-2, 4-0 Big East) and fell, 14-5, at Villanova Stadium.
The Wildcats took an early lead, and went up 2-0 on goals from redshirt junior attacker Elena Torres and redshirt sophomore midfielder Mary Moore in the first period. Villanova managed to hold Denver scoreless for the first 15 minutes of play.
In the second quarter, Denver got things going with its first goal of the game. Villanova responded with a goal from junior midfielder Rose Christie, assisted by Moore.
Denver made it 3-2. Then Moore assisted redshirt junior midfielder Bella Piselli to give the Wildcats a 4-2 advantage. The Pioneers closed the deficit to one, heading into halftime with Villanova up by one, with a score of 3-2.
At halftime, alumni of Villanova women’s lacrosse were recognized at midfield.
“It’s so special to have had 40 women back to celebrate the program and to support our team,” head coach Jill Batcheller said. “We’re so lucky that these women have taken the time out of their lives to come and bring their families and bring their kids to come and support the team. I think that’s just truly what Villanova is.”
Early in the third period, Denver capitalized on a free position to tie things up. The Pioneers went on to gain the lead, 5-4, and Villanova would not regain it for the remainder of the match.
The ‘Cats did not score through the entirety of the quarter, as Denver went on a four-goal run to make the score 6-4 going into the final period.
“Denver really started stepping up in the second half of that game,” Batcheller said. “So I think they just had more threats that were supporting their team in driving. And I think that was just something we could have made a quicker adjustment on.”
Although a win was still in sight for Villanova, it was unable to bring back its momentum from the first half of the game. Denver extended its goal streak to seven, making the score 9-4. The ‘Cats were still unable to find the back of the net, and Denver managed two more goals to take an 11-4 advantage.
Finally, Moore was able to add one more for Villanova off an assist from Christie. However, Denver tallied three more goals to end the game with a final score of 14-5.
Junior midfielder Emma Verhoust notched eight draw controls, and freshman goalkeeper Allie Bell had seven saves in goal.
Villanova had 23 shots on goal, compared to Denver’s 32. The ‘Cats won the draw control battle, with 12 to Denver’s nine. However, they fell short on ground balls and caused turnovers.
With the loss, the Wildcats are now 8-5 on the season and 2-2 in the Big East conference.
“I think again, we’re going into Georgetown with our game plan defensively,” Batcheller said. “What just happened with Denver is just trying to stay a step ahead. If we’re their offense down and their main looks and knowing what they’re trying to anticipate and what comes next.”
Next up, Villanova will host Georgetown (10-4, 4-0 Big East) for its last regular season home game on Saturday, April 18 at Villanova Stadium. First draw is set for 11 a.m. In the two teams’ last matchup, the ‘Cats were defeated, 13-9. Villanova is currently 0-8 against the Hoyas at home.
