Sept. 7, 2003

Box Score

VILLANOVA, PA - On Sunday, Sept. 7 the Villanova Wildcats dropped a 4-3 decision to Delaware, dropping their record to 2-2 on the season. Freshman forward Megan Foster scored two goals in a losing effort.

The Wildcats took an early lead, with Foster scoring on a penalty corner at the 7:40 mark. She was assisted by junior back Vanessa Pizzulli. Pizzulli also recorded her third defensive save of the week in the game. She leads the team with four on the season.

Delaware struck back as freshman Jessi Balmer scored two of her three goals in the first half, one on a penalty stroke, sending the Blue Hens to a 2-1 halftime lead.

The Villanova defense succeeded in shutting down Delaware's junior All-American candidate Erica LaBar, who had scored a point in nine consecutive regular season games dating back to last year. LaBar has haunted the 'Cats before, scoring the lone goal in last season's 1-0 Delaware win.

But while the 'Cats defense was focused on LaBar, Balmer completed her first career hat trick, scoring the game-winner at the 55:17 mark off a penalty corner.

Delaware's other goal came from freshman Stephanie Swain early in the second half. At the time, it gave the Blue Hens a two-goal lead.

But Villanova responded with two goals in a span of 56 seconds. Sophomore forward Rory Rogers scored her third goal of the season, and Foster followed with her second score of the game. Rogers was assisted by senior forward Leah Lisausky on her goal.

Delaware's Megan Allen won the battle of the freshman goalkeepers. She stopped six shots in improving to 3-1 on the season. Villanova freshman Erin Scott registered eight saves, falling to 2-2 on the year.

The Wildcats are back in action with their fifth consecutive road game, a 7:00 p.m. game against Drexel on Wednesday, Sept. 10.