Conshohocken, Pa. – The Villanova Wildcats beat the Providence Friars in their first conference match of the season 5-3. Villanova improved to 3-4 overall and 1-0 in the BIG EAST, while Providence now sits at 4-3 and 0-1 in conference play.

The Wildcats struck first at the 11:16 mark, when Meghan Mitchell found the back of the cage after a pass inside the circle from Caitlin Van Goeverden. The goal marked just the beginning of a strong offensive showing from both players throughout the match.

After Providence answered with a goal of their own, the game went into halftime tied 1-1. Shortly after the break, the Wildcats were awarded a penalty corner the 38:37 mark. Anne Drabbe sent the corner into the box and found Emma Schwarz, who's shot was redirected in by Mitchell to put Villanova up 2-1 halfway into the third period.

The Friars were able to answer less than a minute later and tied the game 2-2.

As Villanova was working the ball around, Van Goeverden found herself alone in the box, feet from the net. Sabine de Ruijter sent a hard pass into the circle, which deflected off a defender and found its way to Van Goeverden's stick. She settled the ball and fired it between the goalie's legs, to put Villanova up 3-2.  
At the 43:43 mark, the Friars worked the ball around off a penalty corner and tied the game 3-3 late in the third period.

Heading into the final frame, Villanova looked to find momentum and break the deadlock score. Amanda Middleman provided that spark, scoring an early fourth quarter goal, with assists from Mitchell and Van Goeverden. Her goal put the 'Cats up 4-3 and the team never seized momentum.

To cap off the scoring affair, de Ruijter joined in on the action off another penalty corner set. Jamie Pennington sent the ball in to Van Goeverden, who passed it off to de Ruijter.

Caitlin Van Goeverden had a career day, recording a career high three assists and five points in a single match. Meghan Mitchell also had a career high nine shots, with six on goal.

Jordan McGinley earned the victory in goal for Villanova, recording six saves.

Villanova will host La Salle on Sunday 9/19 for their next match. The game is scheduled to begin at 12 PM.