CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. – The Villanova Field Hockey team defeated Longwood University on Sunday, Oct. 14 at the Proving Grounds. The Wildcats walked away with a 2-1 victory after Christen Pennington netted in the game-winner with 49 seconds left in overtime. Pennington has now scored two game-winning goals in overtime for the 'Cats.

The contest began with the Wildcats holding strong control over the Lancers. Villanova was able to get off five shots before Longwood earned a penalty corner and was able to take their first shot and turn it into a goal taking the lead 1-0.

Longwood's goal came in the 23^rd minute after Briana Greene scored off an insert from a corner by Charlotte Wilm.

For the remainder of the half, possession consistently changed from one end of the field to the other. Villanova was only able to get off one shot after Longwood's goal while LU got off two. At the buzzer Villanova led in overall shots 6-3, the two were tied at two with corners and Longwood led 2-1 in saves.

The second half started off quick for Villanova. Three minutes into play Abby Siana fired off a shot that was saved by Longwood goalie, Katie Wyman. Off the clustered rebound Ana Sherwood found Siana again who found the back of the net and tied the score 1-1.

Within the next seven minutes, five penalty corners were taken and only one by Villanova. Fortunately, for the Wildcats, the Lancers were unable to convert on either four of their corner attempts. Shortly after, Villanova was awarded a penalty stroke. Lydia Sydnor stepped in to take the shot, but Wyman came up big for the Lancers with a save.

The Wildcats had a few opportunities to try and solidify the win over the Lancers during the contest. Sydnor's penalty stroke was the first and within the same minute came the second. Villanova earned three consecutive corners after the penalty stroke where they had four shots but unable to penetrate the Longwood defense.

Both teams battled for the next 20 minutes earnestly trying to score a goal to secure the game, VU had three more shots, while LU had seven. In the last play of regulation Erika Miller made a huge save for the Wildcats sending the game into overtime.

Overtime was a nerve-racking scene for both teams. Longwood started with possession and got off the first two shots of the frame. The ball made its way from end line to end line between the opponents when early in the 79^th minute Villanova blasted one in and secured the 2-1 victory.

The Wildcats earned a corner in which Riley Dolan was set up with the first shot. Off Dolan's shot, Pennington stepped in from the insert and was in the right spot to knock the rebound home for the win.

To finish the contest, Villanova had 19 total shots, six saves and eight penalty corners; Longwood tallied 15 shots, nine saves and 10 corners. VU is now 3-1 in overtime wins this season.

Villanova returns to action Friday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. for a BIG EAST matchup at the Proving Grounds against Temple. They now improve to 6-8 overall and remain 2-3 in conference play. Friday's game will also provide many pre and post-game activities for local youths and youth field hockey groups.