Villanova, Pa.- Graduate student Sam Rosette knocked home what would be the game-winning goal in the 14^th minute on Thursday afternoon at Higgins Soccer Complex.  Sophomore Chloe O'Neill connected with Rosette for the feed to notch her second assist as the Wildcats improve to 2-2-1 overall.

In a strong show of team offense, the Wildcats outshot the Blue Hens 5-2 in the first half and took another seven shots in the second half for 12 total.  Sophomore goalkeeper Hensley Hancuff had the defensive play of the game in the final minute of the game when she made a diving save to record the shutout. 

"I am extremely proud of the way the team played today," shared head coach Chris McLain. "After a couple tough games against the Pac 12, you can lose some confidence. The team did the exact opposite. They responded in the best way possible; stayed true to who we are and be great at it. Hensley Hancuff did a great job between the pipes and she did a fantastic job leading from the back. Perhaps the most impressive was how Jane Olcott and Niki Molina controlled the midfield. Delaware loaded up the midfield and I thought the composure of those two was absolute class."

Ciara Terabasso got a shot off in the 42^nd minute that made the Blue Hen keeper jump to save the ball with her fingertips and punch the ball out of play.  Conner Huggins got a shot on goal off 57^th minute and Kristen Vinciguerra got one off on a kick from outside the box that was on target. 

Delaware fought their way back in the second half of the contest and made several threating runs towards the goal but couldn't seem to penetrate through the Villanova defense led by Kristin Barbour and Daniela Nelson. 

McLain continued, "Delaware is a fantastic team. Mike and his staff took over at the same time as we did here at Villanova, so it was great to see how much both of are programs have grown. They have made tremendous strides forward and should be a tough game for anyone they play. They gave us all we could handle, and this is a game that could of gone either way. Today was our day, I look forward to when we meet each other again in the future."

The Wildcats will travel to Philadelphia on Sunday to take on the Temple Owls.  Kick off is scheduled for 1:00 PM. and can be seen on OwlsTV.