April 3, 2007

Box Score

South Bend, Ind. - After successfully overcoming a large goal deficit last week, the initial five-goal run by Notre Dame in the first period proved to be too much for Villanova this afternoon. The Wildcats (4-4, 1-1 CAA) dropped a 15-5 decision in a non-conference match-up against the Fighting Irish (6-3) in South Bend, Ind. Despite the loss, senior Andy German was able to put away two goals, while dishing out an assist to collect three points for the day.

The Wildcats fell behind from the start, dropping five straight goals over the initial 18 minutes of play. In that time period, Notre Dame's Ryan Hoff connected twice from teammate Michael Podgajny to score back-to-back goals only 20 seconds apart. His goals were followed by an unassisted one by Peter Christman to put the Fighting Irish ahead 5-0.

Villanova struggled to get on the scoreboard as they only registered four shots for the entire first period. It wasn't until the 11:05 mark in the second period that Andy German took a pass from Mike Haas to clinch Villanova's first goal of the game. Just one minute later, Chris MacDonald added a goal by sailing one past Notre Dame goalie Joey Kemp. Villanova's Jay Foley followed his teammates by notching back-to-back goals just 25 seconds apart to put the Wildcats down by only two at 6-4.

However, Notre Dame controlled the remainder of the game. The Fighting Irish's offense ignited, scoring four unanswered goals before German was able to capitalize on another pass from Haas to score Villanova's last goal of the game. Notre Dame continued their onslaught and went on to clinch the victory, scoring five more goals before time expired making the final score 15-5.

Villanova looks for a win at home this weekend as they host Manhattan College on Saturday, April 7 at 1:00 p.m. in the Villanova Stadium.