Sept. 19, 2004

Box Score

VILLANOVA, Pa. -- In what turned into a BIG EAST battle on Sunday, the Villanova Wildcats (3-3) came up just short in their game against the No. 6 Connecticut Huskies (7-0), with UConn posting a 1-0 victory over the 'Cats at Villanova Stadium. Despite being outshot by the Huskies 20-5, `Nova only allowed one goal in the net, and it was not an easy goal for the Huskies.

The first half of play was lopsided, with both teams spending the majority of time on Villanova's side of the field. Despite having 11 penalty corners and one penalty stroke in the first half, Connecticut could not capitalize on its offensive opportunities.

Sophomore goalie Erin Scott (Malvern, Pa.) amassed eight saves during that half and totaled 13 for the game.

The Wildcat defense was anchored as usual by seniors Vanessa Pizzulli (Oceanport, N.J.) and Simone Schunk (Kutztown, Pa.). Junior Katie DiLullo (Havertown, Pa.) and junior Natalie Balthrop (Chicago, Ill.) also did an excellent job of intercepting Connecticut players and stopping their scoring drives.

Connectiuct continued to apply pressure to the Villanova back field, and eventually scored the game-winner at 44:40. Laura Puddle netted the game-winner off an assist from Meghan Hoffman after several of her shots failed to go past Scott.

Villanova had a few scoring opportunities as the game came to a close. Sophomore Megan Foster (Berlin, N.J.) broke away from the pack of players but her shot sailed wide of the goal. Sophomore Lauren Campanelli (Langhorne, Pa.) and junior Rory Rogers (Rosemont, Pa.) also had breakaway plays, only to be stopped by defenders Lizzy Peijs and Abby Ostruzka.

Villanova returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 22, when it hosts Drexel. Game time from Villanova Stadium is 7 p.m.