VILLANOVA, Pa. –Villanova fell into a deep scoring deficit early that it could not battle back from, falling to No. 23 LIU 14-7 at the Villanova Swim Complex on Saturday morning.

The seven goals scored by Villanova (15-12, 4-4 MAAC) are the fewest it has netted since a 22-7 loss to Wagner on March 19. The Wildcats launched 29 shots in the contest, shooting at a 22-percent clip and gave up possession to LIU (16-5, 5-1 MAAC) 17 times.

Kaysie Stuba and Emily McKenzie each led the group with two goals but McKenzie added on an assist for a team-high three points in the loss. With her two points, Stuba is now two points shy of tying for third on the program's career points list, currently at 345. She has 119 this season, putting her one away from tying for the second-most in a single season.

The Sharks took control early, leading 3-0 two minutes in. Isabel Herbst delivered the only goal Villanova saw in the opening period, scoring on a powerplay at the 3:16 mark. LIU answered a few moments later, making it a 4-1 contest through the first eight minutes.

The scoring run continued for the Sharks into the second period, scoring five unanswered goals spaning the two quarters to extend their lead to 8-1. Villanova picked up back-to-back goals from Amanda Rice and McKenzie to cut into the deficit for an 8-3 score at the break.

LIU netted a pair of chances to open the third before a penalty was whistled on LIU's Xonhane Medina, setting the 'Cats up for a five-meter attempt that Stuba put away, making it a 10-4 game with 2:52 left in the period. Amelia Baca put Villanova within five before the Sharks scored two down the stretch of the third, taking the game to the fourth with a 12-5 lead.

Stuba cut the lead in half at the just over two minutes into the final period of play but Elena Camarena and Alejandra Aranguren extended the Sharks' lead again with even strength and powerplay goals, respectively. The final goal of the game belonged to McKenzie, netting it with 2:41 remaining.

Abigial Shelby started between the sticks for the 'Cats, allowing eight goals on five saves but committed a pair of turnovers. Sarah Shaw took over in the second half, also making five saves while allowing six goals.

Villanova was only able to score on one of seven powerplay opportunities compared to a 3-for-6 showing from the Sharks. Camarena led LIU with five goals scored.

The next game for Villanova comes up at 1 p.m., taking on St. Francis Brooklyn.