For the first time in school history, the Villanova Wildcats Field Hockey team defeated Sacred Heart University. After close games in the last few matchups between the two schools, Sunday's contest was no different. The Wildcats defeated the Pioneers 3-2 on its home field in Conshohocken in front of a packed crowd. Villanova now moves to a 1-0 record on the season.

It was a matchup filled with many opportunities for the Wildcats to get on the board and the team took advantage. The Wildcats got many offensive looks, forcing Sacred Heart's goal keeper to make 9 saves. Villanova had 25 shots compared to SHU's 12 and ended the game with 16 penalty corners.

The Pioneers got on the board early in the first quarter with a goal in the 12^th minute. The Wildcats struck back nearly 12 minutes later after a goal from junior Emily Clarke and an assist from senior Emma McLaughlin.

In the fourth quarter, Villanova extended its lead 2-1 with a goal from senior Lydia Sydnor who was assisted by junior Riley Dolan off a penalty corner. With less than 8 minutes remaining in regulation, the Pioneers tied the game up 2-2.

When it looked like the game would inevitably be forced into an overtime situation, Vermeil took the game into her own hands and scored an unassisted goal with just 14 seconds left. That would prove to be the dagger. SHU falls to 0-2 on the season, and Villanova breaks it 4 game losing streak to the Pioneers.

Villanova will return home on Sunday, Sept. 9 when it hosts Monmouth at 12 p.m.