Sept. 28, 2010
Box Score | Photo Gallery 
VILLANOVA, Pa. - The Villanova field hockey team (2-6, 0-2 BIG EAST) dropped a highly-contested non-conference matchup against No. 18 Drexel (6-3, 1-0 CAA), 2-1, on Tuesday evening. Senior forward Meredith Sabatini (Haddonfield, N.J./Haddonfield Memorial) scored the lone Villanova goal for the night off an Ally Smith (Mullica Hill, N.J.) assist.
The Wildcats got off to a quick start, gaining three penalty corners and seven shots over Drexel within the first 15 minutes of play. 35 seconds later, Smith took a straight shot to goal from the top of the circle, connecting with Sabatini to deflect the ball past the Drexel keeper. The shot gave VU the 1-0 lead with 20 minutes left to play in the half.
The Dragons were quick to get back into the flow of the game, gaining two corners and shots before Susan Ciufo scored at the 18:01 mark. Going into halftime, the Dragons tied the game at 1-1.
The second stanza brought plenty of action with Drexel taking the lead at the 41 minute mark. Christina Mastropaolo garnered a corner inside the Villanova circle to give the Dragons the advantage and netting what would be the eventual 2-1 game-winner from a Kim Tunell assist.
The second half was an aggressive one for both teams, with two yellow cards and one green card given out to each side. Drexel held the advantage in shots over Villanova, 19-10, while both teams held even with five corners apiece.
Villanova keeper Megan Goelz (Yardley, Pa.) recorded nine saves in the defeat while Drexel's Jenna Phillips tallied five in the victory.
The Wildcats will be back in action on Sunday, Oct. 3rd when they face La Salle at 6 p.m. in Villanova Stadium.
