April 6, 2002
EASTON, Pa. --- On Saturday, April 6, the Villanova Wildcats were defeated by two-time Patriot League defending champion Lafayette, 12-8, in a women's lacrosse game played at Rappolt Field. With the loss, the Wildcats drop their first conference game of the season and fall to 6-4 overall, 3-1 in Patriot league action while the Leopards improve to 6-5 on the season and a perfect 3-0 in conference play.
The Wildcats struck first to begin play when freshman Bess Hanley (Lutherville, Md./Notre Dame Prep) converted off of an assist from Cecily Pierce (New Canaan, Conn./New Canaan) at the 25:58 mark. After two Lafayette goals, Villanova responded with a fast-break goal from Katie Komlo (Bryn Mawr, Pa./Episcopal) to tie the game with 9:55 on the clock. After both teams exchanged goals, senior Sarah DePeters found the net with 2:45 remaining to give the 'Cats a 4-3 edge heading into halftime.
Junior Meghan Carolan (Hicksville, N.Y./Hicksville) opened up second half action as she registered on an unassisted goal at the 25:39 mark. The Leopards, however, quickly responded with four unanswered goals in the next three minutes to swing the momentum. With 18:41 remaining on the clock, Wildcat rookie Steph Haas (North Wales, Pa./Gwynedd Mercy) brought Villanova to within one goal at 7-6 but the Wildcats could not get any closer. Three Leopard goals down the stretch and strong defense would hold off the 'Cats as Lafayette prevailed with the eventual 12-8 victory.
Carolan led seven different Wildcats in scoring with two goals on the afternoon while Lafayette's Heather McClelland posted five goals in the victory.
In the net, sophomore Brandy Greneir (Rochester, N.Y./Brighton) made 12 stops on the afternoon. Lafayette was led by senior goalie Leela Strong who recorded a game-high 17 saves in the win.
Villanova will return on Wednesday, April 10 when they travel to Washington, D.C. for their second game of a five game road stretch to battle Patriot League newcomer American University. Game time is set to begin at 3:30 p.m.
