Sept. 7, 2002

Final Stats

Newark, Del.- Villanova field hockey rebounded from yesterday's shutout in exciting fashion, beating the Richmond Spiders 3-2 in overtime. With the win, Villanova ups their record to 2-1, while the Spiders fall even at 1-1.

Richmond opened up the scoring 16:51 into the game, when junior forward Britney Parrish found the back of the net. The Spiders took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

The Wildcats came out intense in the second half, generating multiple scoring chances and putting 8 shots on net. Britney Parrish struck again with 4:32 remaining in the game for her second goal of the day.

'Nova used the 2 goal deficit to fuel their desire when less than a minute later Kelly Driscoll took a pass from Rory Rogers and put it past the Richmond keeper. Keeping the momentum going, Leah Lisausky converted a corner from Christina Lugones and Vanessa Pizzulli to knot the score at 2, with just 3 minutes to go.

Richmond almost stole the game, but Pizzulli stopped a shot that was rolling past an outstretched Meghan Helwig.

The two teams rallied back and forth during the seven on seven overtime, but Rory Rogers lifted a ball over a diving Richmond keeper to an open Christina Lugones, who poked it in the net, and sealed the 'Cats second win of the season. Both of Villanova's wins this year have come in overtime.

Leading the way offensively for 'Nova was Christina Lugones with a goal and an assist, Rory Rogers with 2 assists, Kelly Driscoll and Leah Lisausky with one goal apiece, and Vanessa Pizzulli with an assist.

Defensively, Meghan Helwig has several spectacular saves and many key break-ups as 'Nova headed into overtime. Helwig recorded 9 saves on the day. The Villanova back line, Sarah Burdette, Kristen Strocen, Colleen Helms and Pizzulli, also contributed many stellar defensive plays to disrupt the Richmond attack.

Villanova looks to continue its winning ways on Tuesday night when they host Drexel at 7:00pm.