NEW YORK, N.Y. – Villanova was defeated by Columbia 14-12 on Wednesday night. Sydney Pappas finished with four goals to lead the 'Cats and Cara Moreau recorded her first career hat trick in the loss.

Columbia jumped out to a quick 7-5 lead in the first quarter and stalled every comeback effort the Wildcats had. The Pace slowed down in the second quarter as Sophia Corretjer found the back of the net to cut the deficit to two at the halftime break. Every time Villanova got within one the Lions were able to extend their lead further.

Pappas came out firing in the second half with two goals, but Dani Falcone had an answer both times to keep the lead safe. Moreau netted her third goal of the game at the end of the third period when Sami Carey found her with a great pass to once again cut the lead to one.

Columbia went on a 3-0 run to begin the fourth quarter and the Wildcats could not recover. A late comeback attempt was stalled when Messner Cecelia scored to push the lead back up to three late in the game.

Mary Moore finished with two goals for Villanova as Corretjer tallied two points. Cate Gallagher recorded five saves in the loss. Emma Verhoest was impressive on the draw as the Wildcats won 17 out of 30 draws.

Villanova returns to action this Sunday when they take on Vermont at Villanova Stadium. The opening draw is set for 1 p.m.