April 23, 2003

Hempstead, N.Y. - The Villanova men's lacrosse team traveled to Hofstra on April 23 falling to the #9 Pride, 9-5. The Wildcats trailed 5-2 heading into the fourth quarter but could close no closer than one before Hofstra rallied off four straight goals. With the loss Villanova falls to 9-4 overall and 2-2 in Colonial Athletic Association play.

The 'Cats enjoyed an early 2-1 lead over the Pride with goals from Matt Lucas (Gainesville, Va./Paul VI) and Richie Kratz (Succasunna, N.J./Delbarton). Hofstra answered back with four straight goals before heading into the final quarter. To start the fourth the Wildcats chipped into the lead with two straight goals in the first four minutes. The Wildcats could muster only one more goal in the waning seconds of a game that had already been put out of reach during the final frame by key Hofstra goals.

Co-CAA Players of the Week Jim Femminella of Hofstra and Brian Marks (Glenmoore, Pa./Downingtown) of Villanova both had solid games. Marks tallied one goal and one assist while Femminella scored two goals in the Wildcat loss.

On the night for the 'Cats junior attacker Kratz scored two goals and added one assist. Chris Kramer (Massapequa, N.Y./St. Anthony's) notched two points on one goal and one assist while Marc Creegan (West Babylon, N.Y./St. Anthony's added one assist. Freshman goalkeeper Joseph Canuso (Moorestown, N.J./Moorestown) managed to stop 11 of Hofstra's 38 shots despite the Villanova loss.

Villanova returns to Villanova Stadium on April 26 as they close out the regular season versus Delaware. The game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. and will mark Senior Day for eight Wildcats.