Sept. 15, 2004

Box Score

SOUTH COVENTRY, Pa. -- Wildcat goalie Erin Scott (Malvern, Pa.) earned her first shutout of the season Wednesday evening and helped Villanova get back in the win column when the Wildcats defeated the West Chester Rams, 2-0, at Owen J. Roberts High School.

Throughout the entire first half neither Villanova (3-2) nor West Chester (1-6) could gain an offensive edge over the other team. West Chester even had a chance to take the lead with a penalty stroke, but Kelly Olinger's shot sailed wide of the goal, keeping the game scoreless.

After the half, however, the Wildcats came back, ready to score. Just 1:37 into the second half, sophomore forward Megan Foster (Berlin, N.J.) scored her seventh goal of the season off a pass from sophomore forward Sara Schmidt (Mullica Hill, N.J.).

Villanova thought it had increased its lead to two when it was also granted a penalty stroke, and sophomore back Sarah Way (Lancaster, Pa.) capitalized on the opportunity. The referees overruled the goal after West Chester Head Coach Kathy Krannebitter challenged the goal due to Way not being in full uniform. Way has been out due to a knee injury.

Not satisfied with a one goal lead, junior forward Rory Rogers (Rosemont, Pa.) gave the `Cats some breathing room after she netted an uncontested goal with the help of Foster on a scramble in front of the goalie. After that, the defense made sure the Rams could not come up with a win.

Junior back Stephanie Grejtak (Los Altos, Calif.) recorded a defensive save while senior Vanessa Pizzulli (Oceanport, N.J.), senior Simone Schunk (Kutztown, Pa.) and junior Natalie Balthrop (Chicago, Ill.) all anchored the defense.

Villanova returns to action on Sunday, Sept. 19, when it hosts No. 6 Connecticut to open BIG EAST play. Game time is 1 p.m.