Box Score Oct. 20, 2017 Final Stats
CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.- The Villanova Field Hockey (5-10) team welcome the Old Dominion Monarchs (7-8) to town on Friday for a battle under the lights. After a hard-fought game, the Wildcats would eventually drop the match in a double over time battle, 3-2.
In the opening minutes of play, both squads earned opportunities to capitalize but a strong defensive effort prevented either team from going up early. The first half was a battle of defenses as each couldn't see the ball hit the net. In the 23rd minute of play Christen Pennington inserted a corner for the Wildcats that saw a shot for Riley Dolan, but the Monarchs received possession back. They would go into halftime still looking for the first goal of the game. The Wildcats ended the first half of play with six shots and five saves.
Old Dominion took the first shots in the first two minutes play, but Erika Miller was there to save them. In the fifth minute of play Francesca Bello found Riley Dolan for the tap in as she was able to get past the goal to net the ball. The goal by the Freshman midfield was her first as a Wildcat and the first goal of the game. With Villanova up 1-0 it was the defense who would have to step to preserve the lead. After 53 minutes of play, the Monarchs capitalized off a corner. The Wildcats attack remained forceful as they pushed the ball forward to Bello who netted her x goal of the season as they went up 2-1 with x left to play. In the closing seconds, the Wildcats weren't able to hold on to the lead as Old Dominion saw a shot sink in the net. With the score tied at 2, they headed to overtime.
In the first period of overtime, Old Dominion saw some good looks at net but the Wildcats remained vigilant in front of the net to prevent any Monarchs from scoring. At the end of the first overtime they were still deadlocked at two, so the game would head into a second overtime period. With both teams putting on the pressure, it was Old Dominion who would find a breakaway that wold lead to the game winning goal. The Wildcats couldn't prevail as they dropped, 3-2. The team ended the game with eight shot as Erika Miller earned another season high 17 saves on the night.
The Wildcats return to action on Sunday where they will play Rider at 12 p.m. Senior Day is also tabbed for Sunday in which the Class of 2018 will be recognized 15 minutes prior to game time.
