Indianapolis, Ind. - In their season finale against the Butler Bulldogs, the Villanova Wildcats were victorious, earning their first conference win of the season. With a final score of 12-10, the Wildcats improve to 5-11, 1-4 in BIG EAST play, while the Bulldogs fall to 6-9 and 0-5 in conference. 

The win marks the first conference win under first year head coach Jill Batcheller. 

Freshman Sydney Pappas got the game's scoring started with a goal at the 13:44 mark of the opening period. After an equalizer from the home Bulldogs, a trio of Villanova players would score goals to give the team a 4-1 lead early. Scoring on the run were Caroline Curnal, Harriette Overend and Pappas. 

Buter would score twice before the end of the first to make the score 4-3. 

Opening the second period, Villanova would go on another run of three straight goals, with three more individuals contributing. Cara Moreau would start the run, followed by Jenna Pastore and Sami Carey. The Bulldogs would outscore Villanova 4-1 for the remainder of the second frame, making the score 8-7 in favor of the Wildcats at halftime. 

A Butler goal would tie things up to begin the second half at 8-8 with 5:08 left in the third period. Seniors Libby McKenna and Curnal would respond with back-to-back goals giving the Wildcats a two goal advantage. The two teams would trade goals for the remainder of the contest, as Curnal would notch her third and Overend would score her second, setting new season and career highs in the category. 

On defense, Sydney Frank caused two turnovers, to put her season total at 15 and 86 for her Villanova career. 

Villanova remains undefeated against Butler, winning all six matchups since the 2017 season. The 10 goals are the most the Bulldogs have ever scored in the matchup, tying last seasons total from a 15-10 Villanova win.