Clemson, S.C.- The Wildcats held off Clemson for nearly 68 minutes of action but it wouldn't be enough to hold on for the match, as the Tigers defeated Villanova 1-0 on Friday night in Clemson, South Carolina.

With the loss, Villanova moves to 3-2 overall on the season while Clemson improves to the same record. 

In front of a crowd of over 3,000 fans, the Wildcats and Tigers battled tough for the first 45 minutes of play as the two sides went into intermission tied at 0-0.  Villanova's best scoring chance came in the first half in the 41^st minute when Ida DiClemente placed a header on goal that was saved by Clemson keeper Sandy MacIver. 

Villanova goalkeeper Hensley Hancuff had four saves in the first half.  Lauren Harkes took a shot that was heading for the far corner of the goal but Hancuff made a diving save in the 42^nd minute. 
Coming out of intermission, Clemson took two shots that were blocked and another two that went high before placing the next couple on goal that were both saved by Hancuff. 

It was in the 68^th minute Miranda Weslake cross deflected off of the post and fell in front of Mariana Speckmaier just two yards in front of the goal.  She was able to tip her shot in for what would be the game winner. 

"What a great game for our players to experience," said head coach Chris McLain.  "Clemson plays great soccer and our players needed this game to grow as a team. I thought they stayed true to who we are for 70+ minutes but once Clemson scored we did something we haven't done this season. We accepted we were 1-0 down. This is something we can't let happen again. We need to learn, grow and be better next time. The staff is extremely proud of the effort and we hope we can turn it around in our next match up."

Villanova will look to rebound when they travel to Brown in just two short days.   Game time is slated for 11:30 A.M. in Providence, R.I. on Sunday, September 2^nd.