April 21, 2007
Box Score
Villanova, Pa. - Villanova (7-6, 2-3 CAA) easily handled CAA opponent Robert Morris (3-8, 0-5 CAA) this afternoon at Villanova Stadium. In addition to being honored in a pre-game ceremony prior to their last home game as Wildcats, four Villanova seniors combined to post 11 of 16 total goals to secure the conference victory.
Senior Eric Webber notched a personal-best and team-high of five goals. He was followed by senior captain Eric Heidenberger who collected three goals for a hat trick and fellow classmate and captain Andy German who registered two. Lastly, senior Mike Haas was able to chip in a single goal to increase the class total to 11.
The Wildcats put pressure on the Colonials right from the initial whistle. Villanova registered 15 shots and collected 11 ground balls in the first period alone. As a result of their efforts, the Wildcats jumped out to an early 5-1 lead. Junior Tim Atkins struck first for Villanova, followed by Heidenberger and back-to-back goals from Eric Webber. Junior Chris MacDonald, who also finished with three assists, notched the fifth goal for Villanova with just over a minute left in the first period.
Although the Colonials managed to post two goals early in the second period, Villanova fought back to mirror their first period performance. The Wildcats maneuvered the Colonial defense to hit the back of the net four more times in the second period. In that time, German was able to connect for two goals, while Heidenberger and Eric Webber added one each to make the score 9-3 heading into halftime.
Despite the Colonials sneaking in two goals during the third, Villanova's Haas and Eric Webber capitalized on their opportunities to each register a goal. After experiencing a slight drop in scoring in the third period, the Wildcats ignited again in the fourth to out score Robert Morris 5-0. Atkins, Heidenberger, junior Jay Foley, Eric Webber, and freshman Paul Webber were all credited with goals for Villanova. The Wildcats' final five-goal surge increased Villanova's margin to 16-5 for the win.
Senior face-off specialist Chris Colliniates, as well as the entire Villanova defense, also put up impressive performances for the day. Colliniates went 18-23 in face-offs and collected a game-high of 14 ground balls. Villanova's persistent defense only allowed 22 shots, while Wildcat goalies Andrew DiLoreto, Mike Bogdanor, and Elliot Brown combined to post six saves in the net.
Villanova is on the road for their last regular season game as they face CAA opponent Sacred Heart on Saturday, April 28.
