Box Score Feb. 18, 2017 Final Stats
Villanova, Pa. -
Despite taking an early lead the Villanova Wildcats (0-2) fell to the No. 8 Yale Bulldogs (1-0) by a final of 16-11 inside Villanova Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Villanova was led by Christian Cuccinello who tied his career high with four goals while adding two assists for a team high six points on the day. Jake Froccaro and Danny Seibel added four points each while Devin McNamara had three of his own. The four Wildcats combined for nine goals and seven assists.
The Wildcats had a 3-1 lead at the end of the first quarter but the Bulldogs opened the second quarter on a three goal run to take their first lead. Villanova answered back with two goals to take what would be their final lead of the game. Yale went on another three goal scoring streak, two of the goals were scored by freshman Jackson Morrill. McNamara found the back of the net during a man-up opportunity to make the score 7-6 at half.
A 5-2 run in the third quarter by the Bulldogs made the difference in the contest. Yale scored four of those goals in the opening five minutes of the second half. Jake Froccaro was able to get two goals to go for the Wildcats and keep Villanova within four.
Morrill stated the final quarter off with his fourth goal of the game on a pass from Joseph Sessa, both would finish with six points. Villanova would add three goals to the quarter, two by Cuccinello and one by Seibel but Yale also netted three to make the final 16-11.
Villanova won 16-of-31 faceoffs with Luke Palmadesso winning 10 and Jake Froccaro five. Nick Testa played over 50 minutes in goal for the Wildcats and finished with seven saves and a .318 save percentage.
Villanova will continue home play next Saturday, February 25th when they host the Penn State Nittany Loins. Game time is slated for 11 am at Villanova Stadium.
