Box Score

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Despite a strong start in both halves, Villanova could not fend off a late Vanderbilt run, falling 14-12 on Saturday afternoon at Villanova Stadium. The BIG EAST Conference opener was a game of scoring streaks, with runs of 2-0, 4-0, and two separate 3-0 runs by Villanova, while Vanderbilt combatted with a 3-0 run and two different 5-0 runs to squeak out its first ever win over Villanova.

Freshman attack Katie Comerford recorded her fourth hat trick in five games and added two assists, along with causing three turnovers and scooping up two ground balls. Sophomore Jillian Swikart also contributed three goals, while sophomore Devon Brown and Kim McDonough added a pair of goals. Freshman Liz Trojan and senior Dana Bouwman also scored in the contest.

Senior Sam Scarfogliero caused two Commodore turnovers while picking two ground balls and earned two draw controls. Sophomore Carlye Maita also caused turnovers on the day.

The Commodores were led by Emily Mathewson and Julie Blaze who combined for nine of Vanderbilt's 14 goals on the afternoon.

Villanova started the game on fire on both sides of the field, jumping to a 6-1 advantage, as Swikart found the back of the net three times within the first nine minutes of the game. The Commodores responded with a 3-0 run to cut the Wildcat lead to 6-4 at the half.

After the halftime intermission, it was the Wildcats that came out firing from the locker room, answering Vanderbilt with a 3-0 run featuring goals from Trojan, Comerford, and Brown.

The first 5-0 run by the Commodores tied the game at 9-9, but McDonough, Brown and Comerford's third goal of the game put the 'Cats up 12-9 with 15:21 to play. Vanderbilt's stingy defense prevented the Wildcats from scoring for the remaining of the game, as the Commodore's 5-0 run to end the game was just enough to escape Villanova Stadium with the victory.

The Wildcats will now face Lafayette this Wednesday in a makeup game from last week's snow storm. Game time is slated for 7 p.m. in Easton, Pa.