Box Score March 23, 2016 Final Stats
Villanova, Pa. -
The Villanova women's lacrosse team defeated the Saint Joseph's Hawks on Wednesday night by a final of 11-10.
Villanova started off strong going on a 5-1 run in the opening 15 minutes of the game. Kelsey Denihan started things off for the Wildcats on a pass from Devin Hassinger, next Jackie Froccaro scored back to back goals, followed by Denihan's second goal of the game, and finally Meghan Breen got a piece of the action scoring at the 17 minute mark.
The next nine minutes were scoreless for both teams until a Saint Joseph's goal by Ally Gormeley. Villanova's Carolyn Dottino-Buenahora got a goal inside on a pass from Denihan, next Saint Joseph's went on a two goal run that was stopped with 12 seconds left in the half on a goal by Catherine Bendinelli assisted by Denihan. The Wildcats went into the locker room at halftime up 7-4.
The second half was a back and forth battle, the Hawks Gormeley scored to start the half next it was Carlye Maita who answered back with her first goal of the night. Saint Joseph's scored minutes later but a goal by Chelsey Henderson with the assist from Denihan kept Villanova up 9-6 with 18 minutes remaining. Saint Joseph's and Villanova each scored two goals apiece in the next 13 minutes of play. The Wildcat goals were by Christine Graziano, her first career goal, on a pass from Kelsey Denihan and Hassinger to put Villanova up 11-8.
During the final three minutes of play the Hawks scored two goals to bring the game within one but the Wildcats played strong defense and did not let Saint Joseph's get a shot off.
Julia Michaels got the win in goal for Villanova, she had six saves and three ground balls during tonight's game. Also Tierney Griff had two caused turnovers while Jackie Froccaro won four draw controls.
Next Villanova will begin BIG EAST Conference play at UConn this Saturday March 26th. Game time is set for 12 P.M.
