Aug. 31, 2001

Box Score

Philadelphia, Pa. ----- The Villanova Wildcats dropped their season opener to the host Drexel Dragons in overtime by a score of 2-1 on Friday, Aug. 31. The loss drops Villanova to 0-1 on the season while Drexel improves to 2-0.

Drexel's Pamie Zukowski put the Dragons on the board just 4:07 into the second half netting her second goal of the season. Zukowski, a third team All-American last season, gathered a pass from teammate Kristina Backenstose splitting two Villanova defenders to put the Dragons ahead 1-0.

The Wildcats came from behind to tie the score at 1-1 when sophomore Leah Lisausky (Morrisville, Pa.) scored off a penalty corner with 6:45 remaining in the contest. Lisausky, a unanimous selection to the All-Big East Rookie Team in 2000, was assisted by classmate Colleen Helms (Broomall, Pa.) and freshman Vanessa Pizzulli (Oceanport, N.J.).

At the end of regulation the score remained 1-1 sending the game into a 15 minute sudden-victory period.

With 2:56 remaining in the overtime period, Drexel's Nita Raju collected a rebound off the pads of Villanova goalkeeper Meghan Helwig (Basking Ridge, N.J.) and found the back of the cage giving the Dragons the 2-1 victory.

The loss marks the second consecutive year the Dragons have defeated the Wildcats in overtime. Last season, Drexel defeated Villanova, 3-2, in penalty strokes.

Villanova returns to action on Sunday, Sept. 2 , when they host the Ursinus Bears at Villanova Stadium in the 2001 home opener. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.