Box Score West Long Branch, NJ - The Wildcats lost a hard fought contest to the Monmouth Hawks, 4-3, in overtime. Coming into the game, Monmouth was ranked No. 22 in the country. 

The Hawks struck first, at the 13:21 mark to take a 1-0 lead into the second quarter. Midway through the second quarter, Villanova found its equalizer, from a Rachael Overlander goal. Emma Schwarz's shot off a penalty corner set was tipped passed the goaltender by Overlander. 

With a tie score at half, each team looked to come out swinging in the last two periods. Monmouth struck first, halfway through the third frame from another penalty corner. The Hawks finished the game with a 9-3 advantage on corners. 

Back-to-back Villanova goals in the fourth period put the 'Cats up 4-3, with 10 minutes left. First, an Amanda Middleman shot found the back of the cage from a Caitlin van Goeverden pass. Just two minutes later, Sabine de Ruijter was awarded a penalty stroke and converted to put Villanova ahead.

Monmouth tied things up at 3-3 with five minutes left and took their momentum into overtime. In OT the scored 1:23 into the period, halting a Villanova comeback.

For Villanova, Jordan McGinley recorded eight saves, her highest total in a single game since 2019. She faced 18 total shots, 12 on goal. 

The Wildcats return to action on Sunday against Penn at the Proving Grounds. Start time is 12 PM.