Villanova, Pa. - The Villanova Wildcats defeated the George Washington Colonials on Wednesday afternoon by a final score of 12-7. The victory marks the first of the season for Villanova, now sitting at 1-3, while George Washington falls to 0-2. 

This is the first victory in series history for Villanova, after falling in both previous matchups, with the most recent in 2012. 

"I am so proud of these girls," said head coach Jill Batcheller, after her first win at the helm. "I think it took us playing Villanova lacrosse, sticking to what we do well, playing fast and playing together."

The Villanova offense was fueled by dual hat-tricks from seniors Caroline Curnal and Libby McKenna, while solid second half defense led the 'Cats to victory. 

George Washington scored the first goal of the contest, taking a 1-0 lead at the 11:38 mark of the first period. Villanova would quickly answer as McKenna scored her first of the game. Shortly after, Addie Fischer scored to give Villanova the lead at the 10:00 mark of the opening period, a lead they would not surrender for the rest of the contest. McKenna would add her second to make the score 3-1. 

The 'Cats would take a 4-2 lead into the second period, after Caroline Curnal netted her first. Carrying that momentum into the second frame, the senior midfielder scored her second at the 8:06 mark. In the final seconds of the half, the teams would trade goals, as Villanova's Sami Carey scored with 11 seconds on the clock, followed by a George Washington goal with one second on the clock.

Villanova would take a 6-4 lead into halftime. 

Coming out of the break, Villanova would start the scoring, after Isabella Francati scored her first of the season, off a free-position shot. Cara Moreau would also add her lone goal of the contest at the 8:43 mark of the third to put Villanova up 8-4. GW would answer with two goals of their own, to cut their deficit to 8-6 with 1:21 remaining in the period. 

Senior Alexa Tsahalis halted the Colonials momentum, scoring a goal with 0.6 seconds before the end of the third period. An assist was credited to McKenna. Villanova would take a 9-6 lead into the final frame. 

The fourth quarter was highlighted by Villanova's defense, only allowing four total shots, with one on goal. 

"The defense made a lot of key stops, especially in the third and fourth quarters," said Batcheller. "Molly Dunphey and Hanna Driscoll have really set the tone for this defensive group, along with our goalie Alexa Moro. The whole team contributed on that half of the field today."

Dunphey finished the game with a career and game high four caused turnovers. She had previously broken her career mark with three earlier this season against Temple. 

Villanova would score three goals in the fourth period, as freshman Sydney Pappas found the back of the net at the 6:08 mark. To finish out the period, McKenna and Curnal would each complete their hat-tricks.

For the game, George Washington held the advantage in shots at 27-26, while Villanova had 22 shots on goal, compared to GW's 17. George Washington's Bailey Aaron would lead all scorers with four goals. 

The Wildcats will return to action when they begin a five game road swing, beginning with a matchup against St. Joesph's on Wednesday, March 2. Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m.

NOTES: This is Villanova's first ever win against George Washington...Molly Dunphey set a career high with four caused turnovers...Alexa Moro moved past Chris McNeff and into second on Villanova's all-time career saves list with 381...Caroline Curnal passed Jackie Froccaro and now sits at third all-time in career draw controls with 139.