Easton, Pa. – The Wildcats (1-1) traveled to Rappolt Field to face Lafayette College (2-0) this Sunday, for their second game of the season. Despite the defeat, Villanova showed promise in the second half with stifling defense and terrific goalkeeper play.

"Lafayette started off fast and we didn't adjust to their formation fast enough. Give Lafayette credit for their ball movement," said head coach Joanie Milhous. "We adjusted at halftime and played a much stronger second half. But unfortunately, we dug ourselves a hole. We just needed to start faster and be more attacking."

Villanova saw themselves down 1-0 early, as Lafayette scored their first goal only 1:27 into the contest. The Leopards kept their momentum rolling with two more goals before halftime, making the score 3-0 at the break.

Junior forward Caitlin Van Goeverden scored the Wildcats lone goal in the third period, making that her second in two games. She found the back of the net by redirecting a rebound off the opposing goalkeeper. Van Goeverden and teammate Sabine De Ruijter, a sophomore back, each posted three shots to lead the team.

In the series history, Villanova is now 5-2 against Lafayette. This is the first time the two teams have met since 2018, when the Leopards won by a score 5-2.

Villanova will return home next weekend for a two game homestand against Bucknell (Sep. 3 at 6 PM) and VCU (Sep. 5 at 12 PM).