Villanova, Pa.- The Villanova Wildcats picked up their fifth straight win of the season on Sunday afternoon when they defeated the Cornell Big Red 2-0.  This is the best start for the Wildcats since the 2008 season.

"Without question I am happy for the program to be 5-0 for the first time since 2008," shared head coach Chris McLain.  "Credit to these players and our coaching staff for their preparation and dedication to getting the work done on and off the field. Rarely do you get a week to prepare for an opponent. Our players knew exactly what tendencies Cornell was looking to do, but when they changed their system, our players adopted well and did what they needed to do to win the game."

Villanova got their first goal in the opening minutes when Emma Weaver played a free kick a few yards outside the box low and to the right for Chloe O'Neill.  There the senior was able to get a touch on it and cross her shot to put the Wildcats up 1-0. The Wildcat's offense clicked against the Big Red, out shooting them 15-7 on the day and 10-1 in the first half. 

Just minutes after O'Neill's goal both Francesca Yanchuk and Susanna Soderman placed shot on goal while Reagan Smith sent a shot wide right.  Megan Donnelly also got a strong shot off as well as Soderman again, but both were saved by Erica Fox. 

A yellow card in the box on Cornell's Sophie Weeter's gave the Villanova a penalty kick.  Brice McInroy took the shot in the 36^th minute for the Wildcats and was able to connect and make it 2-0. 

"Looking at the players eyes after the game, I could tell they were frustrated because they knew we could've preformed a little bit better. They're hungry and they want to prove that they are a great team. They know we will have to play a lot better to in order to beat our next opponent, Virginia Tech, but I know that these players are ready to rise to the occasion."

In the second half Megan McClay came up with two saves and the team also came up for a save on a header off a corner to shut out Cornell. Maddie Fried and Yanchuk had strong shots on goal in the second half that were saved by Fox.

"Although Reagan Smith didn't score today, we, as a team, recognized her as the player of the game. The work she does on and off the ball was top shelf and her senior leadership was on display."

Villanova next will travel to Virginia to take on Virginia Tech on Thursday.  Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 P.M.