VILLANOVA, Pa. – The Villanova women's lacrosse team opens its home opener this Saturday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m. against Cornell University in the Villanova Stadium. This contest will mark the start of the Wildcats three game home stretch. Head coach Julie Young, former IVY League lacrosse and soccer player from Princeton University, and the Wildcats will look to grab their first win of the season over Young's old league rival.

The Wildcats competed in their first game of the season where they fell to the Duke Blue Devils 19-9. Although it was a tough loss, the season is still young and there is plenty of time to correct mistakes and get on the right path.

The 'Cats had five individuals score in the loss. Sophomore Brittany Bruno led the way with three goals, junior Comerford and senior Hassinger each added in two of their own and juniors Liz Trojan and Grainger Rosati scored one a piece. Comerford and senior Ashley Lynch led the team in assists with three each.

Senior goalkeeper Olivia Gonsalves started in the net for Villanova. Freshman goalie Alexa Moro quickly came in where she allowed 13 of the nine goals and recorded seven saves in her near 54 minutes of action.

The Cornell Big Red have yet to play a game this season but was predicted to finish fourth in the IVY League Preseason Poll behind Princeton (1), Penn (2) and Dartmouth (3). Last season the Big Red finished with an overall record of 7-8 and a league record of 2-5.

In last year's matchup between the BIG EAST and IVY League members, Cornell came out with a 13-7 victory at home.

Again, in this game five Wildcats scored including junior Kim McDonough, Trojan, Comerford, Ashley Lynch and then senior Jillian Swikart. Seven individuals contributed goals for the Big Red.

Villanova led Cornell in draw controls 18-8, Cornell grabbed one more ground ball than the cats (16-15) and the two were tied with 14 turnovers. Where the Wildcats lacked strength was in the net. Both teams got off 24 shots a piece, but Villanova could only record six saves to Cornell's 18.

The Wildcats welcome back a stronger, more experienced attack this year, something they have lacked in the past, and will look to penetrate the Big Red's defense.

Villanova and Cornell have competed three times since their first matchup in 2016. The Big Red holds a 3-0 record over the Wildcats.

The action can be watched live on Nova Nation All-Access or followed along on live stats.

This will also be the first game of the women's lacrosse team's season long promotional prize card for children in eighth grade and under. Prize cards are available at all home women's lacrosse games; however, the more games you attend, the more prizes you earn. 
This year's prizes are:

• 1 Game: Villanova Tattoo
• 2 Games: Villanova Fidget Spinner
• 3 Games: Signed Team Poster
• 4 Games: Anthem Buddy Opportunity
• 5 Games: Team T-Shirt
• 6 Games: Warm-up Sideline Access
• 7 Games: Locker Room Tour
• 8 Games: Free Week of Camp