Sept. 20, 2009
Box Score
VILLANOVA, Pa. - The Villanova Wildcats (5-2, 1-0) came away with a victorious weekend homestand after beating fellow Pennsylvania foe Bucknell University (5-3) 4-2 at Villanova Stadium on Sunday afternoon. It was a grand day for the junior class as Meredith Sabatini, Lauren Wuzzardo, Meg Ryan and Dana Ramsden all contributed to the win by providing the Wildcats with goals and assists for the day.
The Wildcats came out strong as they quickly got on the board at the 2:49 mark. Lauren Wuzzardo knocked a ball into the cage off a frantic rebound and caught Bison goalie Jessie Atieh off guard and off her line. The score put the `Cats up 1-0.
Just seven minutes later, Meredith Sabatini once again showed her offensive skill when she powered to the top of the circle and took a strong shot on cage that blew past the Bison defense. The score marks the third consecutive game where Sabatini has connected to goal and also gave the Wildcats the 2-0 lead just ten minutes into the match.
To finish out the first half, Meg Ryan put the ball in the backboard with another similar play with a straight shot to goal. Villanova went into halftime with a strong 3-0 lead after giving the Bison more than they could handle for the first half of play.
The second stanza began with a similar feel when at the 45 minute mark the Wildcats capitalized on a penalty corner. Dana Ramsden connected with Meredith Sabatini to give VU a 4-0 lead.
The Bison finally found their stride in the 47th and 56th minutes when Austin Thomas and Mallory Smith gave Bucknell two unanswered goals to end the game. The late surge wouldn't be enough to hold off what Villanova had previously capitalized on and the final scoreboard would reflect a 4-2 win in favor of Villanova.
Bison keeper Jessie Atieh recorded 70 minutes in goal for Bucknell and had 6 saves in the loss. Villanova goalies Maura McCormick and Megan Goelz shared goalkeeping duties for the day and recorded a total of one save after facing 11 Bucknell shots.
Villanova held a distinctive corner advantage over Bucknell, 18 to 11, respectively.
The Wildcats are back in action this Wednesday, September 23rd as they take on cross-town rival Pennsylvania in downtown Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania campus. Game time is slated for 7:15p.m.
