MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Villanova (7-8, 3-3) took down Marquette 17-14 on Saturday afternoon. Villanova reached 17 goals for the second time this season as a season high 14 goals were assisted. With the win, the Wildcats clinch the number four seed in next week's BIG EAST Tournament.

"I am so proud of our entire team for today's win which really came from our preparation this week," head coach Jill Batcheller said. "Marquette is a gritty, well-coached team who was an NCAA qualifier last year but our leaders stepped up today and played to win. Our team was down by three twice but continued to believe and trust the game plan. Our discipline to close out the game at the end is a credit to learning through our tough schedule. We are excited for this week ahead!"

Sami Carey was the star of the afternoon. The junior attacker recorded eight assists and scored twice for a career-high 10 points. She created numerous scoring chances from X and her teammates made them count.

Marquette (6-11, 2-4) jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead before Carey assisted three straight goals to level the score. The Golden Eagles took control in the second quarter outscoring the 'Cats by three to take a 10-7 lead into the halftime break. Sydney Pappas took over the game in the third quarter scoring or assisting on three of four Wildcat goals to cut the deficit to one entering the fourth quarter.

It was all Villanova in the final frame as Cara Moreau tied the game at 12 before Mary Moore scored twice and Bella Piselli found the net to give Villanova a 15-12 lead. After the Golden Eagles converted, Carey found Pappas then Moore put the game out of reach.

Moore and Pappas each had four goals for the 'Cats with Moore adding five draw controls and three assists for a career-best seven points. Moreau recorded a hat trick and Rose Christie scored two goals in the win. Makenzie Fisher made eight saves in her third win of the season while Emma Verhoest totaled 10 draw controls.

Meg Bireley scored six goals for Marquette in a losing effort. Mikayla Yang recorded four saves in goal.

UP NEXT: The Wildcats will gear up for a rematch with top seeded Denver in the BIG EAST Semifinals on Thursday, May 2 in Cincinnati.