Denver, Colo.- The Villanova Wildcats fell to the No. 14 Denver Pioneers on Friday afternoon 18-10.

The game was close through the first half.  After Denver Eilza Radochonski score the opening goal in the first minute Libby McKenna dished it to Olivia Piccirilli to tie it up at 25:26.  The Pioneer's Rodochoski and Sara Palmisano score back-to-back goal to go up two at the 14:53 mark.  Villanova's offense was able to battle back and tie it up.  Jenna Pastore dished out her first career assist to Brittany Bruno then Alexa Tsahalis netted an unassisted goal at 9:29 to tie it at three. 

Villanova's defense was able to keep Denver scoreless for over 10 minutes of action and during that time goalkeeper Alexa Moro made three saves to help keep the Wildcats in the game.  On the day the junior keeper finished with 15 saves.

The Pioneers would score four goals before the half while Villanova got one by McKenna with just seconds to go to make 7-4 Denver.

In the second half Mackenzie Wallevand netted the opening goal, she would finish with five on the day to put Denver up by four goals. Villanova's McKenna then dished out her second assist of the game this time to Haley Driscoll at 24:28 to make it 8-5.  Denver would go on a four goal run that was ended by a goal by Tsahalis on a pass from Katie Comerford.  After a Pioneer goal Comerford set up Driscoll for her second of the game at 14:35 to make it 13-7. 

Comerford would score back-to-back goals for Villanova at 11:30 and 8:38 to make it a seven goal game.  The Wildcats final goal came on a successful free position shot by Julianne Puckette.  Denver's Wallevand score the final goal of the game, a free position, with three seconds to go to make the final 18-10.

Sydney Frank finished with four ground balls, five draw controls, and two caused turnovers.  The junior is two caused turnovers away from breaking the all-time record at Villanova.  Kelsey Mentzer also finished with four ground balls while Caroline Curnal had three draw controls. 

Villanova and Denver will face off again on Sunday for the final game of the regular season for the Wildcats.  The Wildcats BIG EAST Tournament chances are still alive and following all league games on Sunday the seeding will be set.