VILLANOVA, Pa. - Villanova women's lacrosse (5-3) fell 18-10 to Stony Brook Tuesday afternoon at Villanova Stadium.

Stony Brook struck first, building a 2-0 lead within the opening five minutes. Rose Christie got Villanova on the board off an assist from Sophia Corretjer, but the Seawolves responded with two free-position goals to take a 4-1 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

Kathryn Monaco opened second-quarter scoring for the 'Cats, finishing a feed from Corretjer. Stony Brook answered with a five-goal run to extend its lead to 9-2 with five minutes remaining in the half. Christie converted a free-position attempt for her second goal of the day at the 4:30 mark, and Bella Piselli added another off Corretjer's third assist to cut into the deficit. The Seawolves carried a 10-4 lead into halftime.

Monaco opened the third quarter with a free-position goal to make it 10-5. After another Stony Brook score, she struck again off a feed from Piselli to close the gap to 11-6 and secure her third hat trick of the season.

Stony Brook opened the fourth quarter with three straight goals to extend its lead to 16-7. Mary Moore responded with back-to-back goals, including one off an assist from Elena Torres, to cut the deficit to 17-9. Christie recorded her first assist of the day, setting up Moore's hat trick and bringing the final score to 18-10.

Emma Verhoest led the 'Cats with 14 draw controls, Katie Clark caused four turnovers, and Allie Bell made a career high seven saves during the contest.

UP NEXT: The Wildcats take on Xavier for their first conference game of the season March 21 at 12 p.m. at Villanova Stadium on the team's senior day.