Box Score

Lawrenceville, N.J. -

The Villanova Wildcats (0-6) had an impressive second half comeback, but fell just short against Rider University (3-3) on Tuesday afternoon.

Rider started off very strong having a three goal advantage at the end of the first half, but the Wildcats gave Rider quite the comeback.

Within two minutes of the second half, Francesca Bello passed the ball to Abby Siana who dribbled close to the goal to fire the ball in the net to cut the score from 3-1. Rider answered again two minutes later with another goal, making the score 4-1.

The fourth Rider goal did not stop the Wildcats as they scored back to back goals within twenty seconds of each other, just three minutes after Rider scored. Francesca Bello put the ball back in play for a corner, and Kristen Mericle notched the ball into the net. Then, right off a rebound from Courtney Devine, Bello got the ball into the net to make the score 4-3.

Despite the tough comeback from the Wildcats, they fell short just one goal, taking the loss.

Kristen Mericle, Abby Siana, and Francesca Bello all finished with one goal a piece. Erika Miller recorded 12 saves, while allowing four goals. The Wildcats had ten shots, seven of which were on goal.

The Wildcats return to action on Friday as they open conference play home at the Villanova Field Hockey Field, game time set for 4 p.m.