Box Score PROVIDENCE, RI. - The Villanova Wildcats fell to the Friars of Providence 5-2 in their first BIG EAST conference competition on the road.
 
The Friars kicked things off with a quick goal by #17 Ally Decoste assisted by #7 Niamh Gowing with only 4:32 on the clock. Sophomore goalkeeper #15 Emma Leppert was put to work and had two saves on the quarter.
 
The second quarter was scoreless but there were some signs of life from the Wildcats as they have some strong possessions and more control of the field.
 
A very active third quarter allowed Decoste another goal and an assist on a goal by #14 Sophia Pompeo. The Friars had the 3-0 lead until freshman forward #2 Toni Minichello was roughed up by the Providence goalkeeper and awarded a penalty stroke. Junior back #14 Sabine de Ruijter took the penalty stroke (40:04) for the Wildcats and sent a laser into the top left corner getting Villanova on the board and back in the game.
 
With the fourth quarter underway the Wildcats began to build off their momentum. Sophomore midfielder #4 Emma Schwarz sent the ball into play and senior forward #3 Maggie Mick redirected the ball past the Providence goalie making it a one goal game (51:29).
 
With just 4:20 remaining in the game the Wildcats pull Leppert from goal to give themselves the advantage of having an extra field player out on the playing surface. Unfortunately, the Wildcats plan backfired, and Providence was able to earn a penalty corner. Without a goalie in the net the Friars were able to convert on the corner and furthered their lead to 4-2.
 
Providence scored one more time with 30 seconds left on the clock ending the game with a tough 5-2 loss for the Wildcats. Despite the Wildcats best efforts, the Friars defense was tough to maneuver around and left for a disappointing end to the competition.
 
Assistant coach Corey Mayer commented on the loss and what they can improve upon in the next game.
 
"Today we lacked overall intensity and discipline. Providence fought hard and capitalized on their opportunities. Sunday we will look to strike first and play 60 minutes of hard and smart hockey," Mayer said. "We must elevate our level in order to show our core values and standards of passion, growth, and accountability."
 
The Wildcats are back in action as they face off against the Red Flash of Saint Francis University (SFU) and recognize all the hard work the faculty and staff do for them. The Wildcats are back home at the Proving grounds on Sunday Sep. 18, game time is set for 12 p.m.
 
 
Game Recap By Quarters
1^st Quarter
- PC goal scored by #17 Ally Decoste (4:32) assisted by #7 Niamh Gowing
- Shots on goal 0-3 (VU-PC)
- Corners 0-1 (VU-PC)
- PC goalie #77 Asia Porter had no saves
- VU goalie #15 Emma Leppert had two saves
 
2^nd Quarter
- No goals were scored
- Shots on goal 0-0 (VU-PC)
- Corners 0-0 (VU-PC)
- PC goalie #77 Asia Porter had no saves
- VU goalie#15 Emma Leppert had no saves
 
3^rd Quarter
- PC goal scored by #17 Ally Decoste (30:46) assisted by #7 Niamh Gowing
- PC goal scored by #14 Sophia Pompeo (39:21) assisted by #17 Ally Decoste
- VU goal scored by #14 Sabine de Ruijter (40:04) off a penalty stroke.
- Shots on goal 3-2 (VU-PC)
- Corners 1-0 (VU-PC)
- PC goalie #77 Asia Porter had two saves
- VU goalie #15 Emma Leppert had no saves
 
4^th Quarter
- VU goal scored by #3 Maggie Mick (56:01) assisted by #4 Emma Schwarz
- PC goal scored by #7 Niamh Gowing (56:01) assisted by #4 Lisa McNamara and #11 Nora Despot-Goddard
- PC goal scored by #5 Bella Carrozza (59:30) assisted by #4 Lisa McNamara and #11 Nora Despot-Goddard
- Shots on goal 1-2 (VU-PC)
- Corners 1-2 (VU-PC)
- PC goalie #77 Asia Porter had no saves
- VU goalie #15 Emma Leppert had no saves