Princeton, N.J. – A strong defensive effort that saw Villanova hold Mount St. Mary's scoreless in the second half led the Wildcats to a 14-3 win in their opening game of the day at the Denunzio Pool on Sunday morning.

This is the first victory for Villanova (1-5) on the season. The three goals from Mount St. Mary's (3-4) are the fewest allowed by the Wildcats since defeating Caltech 21-3 on March 1, 2019 in the Convergence Tournament.

Villanova stole the ball 17 times throughout the game with Stella Byles and Emily Morrissey each accounting for three. Starting in net for a sixth consecutive game, Abigail Shelby was called upon for five saves.

Byles was also the leading scorer for the 'Cats with three goals on four shot attempts. She was one of nine Wildcats to score in the victory. Joia McKinney, Morrissey and Emily McKenzie each sent in a pair of goals.

Villanova opened the game with a 7-1 lead by the end of the first period before being outscored in the second, 2-1, to hold an 8-3 lead at the break. The second half was all Villanova as the team went 6-0 throughout the next two periods, netting two in the third quarter and four in the final frame.

One more game lies ahead of the Wildcats at the Invitational. They are scheduled to get back in the pool at 3:30 p.m. for a meeting with Saint Francis.