April 19, 2003

LEWISBURG, Pa. - Despite a career-high four goals from freshman Cindy Koza (Garnet Valley (Pa.) H.S), Villanova dropped a 12-8 decision to Bucknell in Patriot League action here on Saturday. The loss eliminates the Wildcats (4-9 overall, 1-5 Patriot League) from consideration for the Patriot League Tournament. Bucknell (7-6 overall, 3-3 Patriot League) clinched a berth in the event with the victory.

Villanova tried valiantly to play the role of spoiler on Saturday, matching the Bison blow-for-blow for nearly 42 minutes. With the game tied at 7 apiece, reserve midfielder Victoria Field ignited a decisive four-goal Bucknell surge. Field's unassisted tally came with 18:11 remaining, and less than two minutes later Suzzane Raffaele netted her fourth goal of the day to give the Bison their first two-goal lead of the afternoon.

Amy Lee and Meredith Wright tacked on a pair of insurance goals to make it 11-7 with 11:09 remaining. Koza answered with her fourth goal of the afternoon but the Wildcats could draw no closer and Wright's stuff-in with 2:10 left made the final 12-8.

In the first half Koza had scored three times in succession in 1:40 to stake the Wildcats to an early 4-2 edge. Raffaele, who scored Bucknell's first three goals, and Field answered to tie the game at four all. The lead would change hands four more times.

Other Villanova standouts on this day were sophomore Katie Ardington (two goals, one assist), senior Elizabeth Firth (two assists) and senior Meghan Carolan (one goal, one assist). Jess McGrattan made 12 saves in goal for the 'Cats.

Villanova resumes action on Wednesday, April 23 at Rutgers in a game that begins at 7:00 p.m.