Villanova field hockey dropped to 4-6 overall and 1-1 in Big East play after losing on the road to Temple (6-2) and Fairfield (4-5).

The Wildcats travelled to Philadelphia on Friday to face the Owls in a Big East rivalry match, losing a close 1-0 decision. 

The match was dominated by the Owls. Not many shots were taken in the first period. However, the ‘Cats failed to capitalize on a penalty corner by sophomore Jamie Pennington and a shot by sophomore Sabine de Ruijter. In the remaining moments of the period, Temple found the back of the cage, making it 1-0. 

The remainder of the half featured a collective three penalty corners. The first by Temple found itself blocked on the way to the goal. Pennington found no luck in Villanova’s second penalty corner of the game. Just before closing the half, senior goalkeeper Jordan McGinley saved a shot off of a penalty corner by the Owls.

The Wildcats were able to survive four consecutive penalty corners by Temple to open up the second half, thanks to a tough defensive effort. Unfortunately, the remainder of the match did not go in ‘Nova’s favor. A shotless fourth period by the ‘Cats and dominant defensive effort on both sides of the field left the rest of the match without another goal, giving the Owls the victory.

‘Nova only had two shots on goal, both by de Ruijter, in the loss. McGinley allowed the game to stay close by saving eight shots, tying a season high. 

On Sunday, Villanova went north to take on Fairfield in a non-conference matchup that resulted in a 2-0 loss.

The ‘Cats dominated the first quarter with a powerful offense. Junior Caitlin Van Goeverden and sophomore Megan Mitchell had the first two shots on goal, both saved. 

Mitchell was nominated as Big East Offensive Player of the Week after an astounding weekend at home. She scored three goals and was tied for the league-high in points per game (5.00), goals (2.00) and goals per game (2.00).

A penalty corner by Pennington allowed shots for freshman Emma Schwarz and senior Katie Capalbo, but both were blocked by the Stag goalie. The half remained scoreless after a penalty corner by Pennington and a blocked shot by de Ruijter. 

The Stag offense came to life in the second half, with many penalty corners put into play. A corner late in the third period resulted in a goal for Fairfield, making it 1-0.

The offensive effort would not stop there as the Stags were able to continue their shots and penalty corners. Fairfield increased its lead to 2-0 after another penalty corner snuck by McGinley. The Wildcats were unable to capitalize on offense as the Stag defense held the line, allowing less shots in the fourth period than in the first three.

The ‘Cats left Connecticut with only seven shots, three of which being on goal, compared to the Stags’ 16 total shots and seven on goal. Villanova saw only two penalty corners, while Fairfield had 12.

‘Nova looks to bounce back as it takes on Big East opponent Old Dominion at home on Friday at 3 p.m., before returning to Philadelphia to face Drexel on Sunday at 12 p.m. The match against Old Dominion will be Senior Night, celebrating seniors Capalbo, McGinley, Mallary Sellars, Rachael Overlander and Devyn Aschenbach.