Box Score Feb. 14, 2015 Box Score
Villanova, Pa. -
Despite a strong first half, which included a 4-1 run on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and three goals scored within a minute early in the first half, the Villanova women's lacrosse team (0-1) lost their season opener 10-7 on a snowy Valentine's Day morning.
"We played a great first half," said Head Coach Julie Young. "We answered their first goal quick and took a solid early lead. They (Rutgers) scored those two really quick goals early in the second half and made a great attempt trying to answer. I am really happy with the way our defense played today; they stepped up and caused great turnovers in the second half. Unfortunately we were not able to capitalize on those opportunities. Overall, we played our game and never gave up and will continue to work and get better."
The Knights came out fast putting a point on the board within the first minute of the game but the Wildcats retaliated by putting up four unanswered point from four different athletes within five minutes of each other. Senior Jackie Froccaro started the run putting up the first Nova goal of the day at 26:33.
A string of Nova goals from a variety of different players as senior Jessica Mucci from sophomore Catherine Bendinelli, freshman Kathleen O'Conner from Froccaro and senior Hannah Goforth from Mucci all occurred between 22:13-21:01 gave the Wildcats a huge surge of momentum early in the first half.
Rutgers added two more points on the board before junior Kelsey Denihan added her own goal to the board off a pass from Mucci. The Knight's Lauren Sbrilli added one more Rutgers goal to the score sheet before the end of the half to let the Wildcats take to the locker room with a slight 5-4 lead.
At the start of the second half, Rutgers returned with a vengeance with three unanswered goals in the first three minutes to put the Wildcats on their heels with the score at 7-5. However, the Villanova defense stepped up creating turnovers and causing problems for the Scarlet Knight offense as the Wildcats caused six turnovers in the second half.
The senior duo of Mucci and Froccaro were able to bring the 'Cats within one with 24:24 remaining in the second half as Frocarro found the back of the net off a Mucci assist.
While Villanova posted 15 shots (compared to Rutgers' 12) in the second half, the Rutgers defense proved too much and the Wildcats were unable to fight back as Knights added three more points to the board to make the score 10-6.
With two minutes remaining in the game, Kelsey Denihan added her second goal to the score sheet to end the game 10-7.
Junior goalkeeper Jaclyn Fraum played all 60 minutes in net and recorded 12 saves and two groundballs.
Sophomore Dana Bouwman recorded four ground balls.
The Wildcats will be back in action on the 25th of February as they travel to Annapolis to take on Navy for a Wednesday night matchup.
