NORFOLK, Va. – The relentless Villanova (0-3, 0-3 BIG EAST) defense was on full display in game one of the weekend series despite a 4-1 loss to Old Dominion (3-1, 3-0 BIG EAST) at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex on Friday afternoon. The Monarchs finished with 23 shots while only putting 11 shots on goal due to the defensive pressure by the Wildcats. Jordan McGinley (Morristown, N.J.) was pivotal in goal during the second half facing a season-high 16 shots and saving six goals.
 
Facing an early goal deficit, freshman back Sabine De Ruijter (Huizen, Netherlands) notched her first collegiate goal to get the Wildcats on the board. Riley Dolan received the penalty corner and connected with the freshman at the top of the circle where she ripped a shot past the Monarch goalie.
 
Following a second Old Dominion goal, the Villanova defense held strong to close out the half. Claire Borman (West Chester, Pa.) picked up her third start in goal on the season and faced seven shots off target in the first half. The Wildcats capitalized in the attacking zone taking five shots, four of which were on goal in the first half.
 
Jordan McGinley opened up the second half in goal for Villanova and was challenged early. The Monarchs sent three shots at the junior and she managed to save two of them in the third quarter. The lone goal of the quarter came on a rebound that was put back in net. The Wildcats sought opportunities in the second half and managed to take three shots, but could not land any goals.
 
Sabine De Ruijter finished with three shots and put two on goal leading to the only goal for the Wildcats. Senior Emily Clarke (Garden City, N.Y.) tied her career high taking three shots on the day. Jamie Pennington (Langhorne, Pa.) finished with one shot on goal after ripping one shot on net at the end of the first half.
 
Friday's matchup was the first of two consecutive contests between Villanova and the Monarchs this weekend. Saturday's contest gets underway at 4 p.m. to complete the two-game weekend series.