Box Score Oct. 15, 2016 Final Stats
Conshohocken, Pa. -
The Villanova Field Hockey Team (4-11 overall, 1-4 BIG EAST) edged the Temple Owls (5-10 overall, 2-3 BIG EAST) in conference play 3-2.
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, many friends, family, and alumni gathered at the Villanova Field Hockey Field in Conshohocken, Pa. The entire stands were full and great support came from the Wildcats Field Hockey Alumni.
In the first half, the Wildcats came out hungry to get a goal. Villanova received its first penalty corner of the game in the third minute of play. Francesca Bello put the ball back in play for the Wildcats, as Abby Siana fired a shot on goal, saved by Temple's goalie. During this play, a penalty also occurred, so Villanova was awarded a penalty stroke. Francesca Bello took the penalty for the Wildcats and the shot was perfect to give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead within three minutes of the game. This is Bello's ninth goal of the season.
As play continued, both teams were fighting hard to score goals and gain more chances. In the 13th minute of play, Temple's Jessika Daniels tied the game, scoring off of a rebound. From here on out, the Wildcats and the Owls continued to fight for possession. With just two minutes remaining in the first half, Temple scored its second goal of the game off of a pass.
At the half, Temple led 2-1, with Villanova leading in penalty corners, 6-3.
It was a tough battle between both BIG EAST opponents throughout the second half. Both teams received five penalty corners a piece. The Wildcats never gave up and continued to fight when freshman Emma McLaughlin dribbled in to notch the ball in the net, to tie the game at two, with ten minutes remaining in play. The Wildcats and Emma McLaughlin were not done yet as McLaughlin fired the ball passed the goalie to give the Wildcats the 3-2 edge. McLaughlin scored her third and fourth goals of the season. McLaughlin also scored the game winning goal for the Wildcats to lift them past the Owls.
As a team, the Wildcats finished with 18 shots, 9 of which were on goal, and 11 penalty corners. Erika Miller allowed two goals, but made nine saves for the Wildcats to help ensure the team a win. The defense played outstanding throughout the game, but especially in the second half when Temple was awarded back to back corners with no time left on the clock. Both shots were blocked and Villanova earned a huge BIG EAST conference win on "Welcome Back Alumni Day."
Villanova Field Hockey will return to action next Saturday, when they travel to Old Dominion for another BIG EAST match-up. The game is slated for 1:00 p.m.
