Final Stats

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.- On a chilly overcast day, the Villanova Field Hockey (5-9) team battled Monmouth (11-3) in a double overtime showdown. After forcing two overtime periods, the Wildcats fell short to the Hawks, 3-2.

In the first half of play, Monmouth struck first with an early penalty corner. On the penalty corner, the Villanova defense was able to force a shot wide of the goal. With Monmouth putting pressure on, Erika Miller came up with two saved shots. While Villanova received two early saves, one shot was able to sneak past the keeper to put the Wildcats in a hole, 1-0. For the remainder of the first half, both teams remained vigilant on defense, allowing one penalty corner and one shot each. In the closing minute of play, Emma McLaughlin was able to find teammate Megan Vermeil for Villanova's first goal of the game. They would go to halftime tied at one goal apiece.

Villanova was able to earn the first corner of the second half in the opening minutes of play, but a shot by Abby Siana was saved by the keeper. Minutes later, Emily Cliggett scored her first goal of the season off an assist from Riley Dolan and Siana. With the goal, the Wildcats would go up 2-1 with 29:18 left to play in the half. The Hawks were looking for the equalizer as the Wildcats defense had to step up with Monmouth taking five shots that Villanova was able to tame. As the half came to a close, a Monmouth shot hit the far post and sunk in the goal. With the goal, they headed into overtime tied a two goals each.

With overtime underway, neither team could capitalize off the penalty corners that they received. After 15 minutes of play the score was still tied at 2-2. In double overtime, Villanova got early looks at goal but couldn't see anything fall past the goalkeeper. The winning shot came at the five-minute mark as Monmouth tapped in a shot off a penalty corner. The Wildcats fell, 3-2.

The Wildcats will return to action with a two-game home slate. They will play their last BIG EAST Conference home game of the 2017 campaign against Old Dominion on Friday. Villanova will welcome Rider to town on Sunday for Senior Day. Friday's match will begin at 5 p.m. with Sunday's game starting at 12 p.m.