BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Villanova fell into an early hole that it could not climb out of, opening its time at the Hoosier Invite with a 19-5 loss to Indiana on Saturday morning at the Counsilman-Billingsley Aquatic Center.

Three different Wildcats scored goals for Villanova (0-1) in the contest, but the Indiana (3-2) defense held Villanova without a goal in two periods of action.

Villanova fell into a 4-0 hole just over halfway through the opening period. By the end of the first, Indiana doubled up on goals with one at the buzzer from Kallie White for an 8-0 lead. The Hoosiers scored on every shot attempt in the frame with Villanova's five attempts coming up short.

Indiana tacked on three more goals before Villanova found an answer. Alexis Parness missed a shot for the Hoosiers that was followed by a block from goalkeeper Abigail Shelby. That led to Emily McKenzie getting the 'Cats on the board with 3:25 remaining in the second to make it an 11-1 contest. Indiana added on a pair before Joia McKinney found the back of the net at the 0:43 mark. That goal would be the final one of the half for either side for a 13-2 score at the break.

Villanova was held without a goal yet again in the third period, missing seven shots in the frame.

Goal scoring came quickly in the fourth with both sides finding the net in the first minute. Amelia Baca answered a Louisa Downes goal to make it 17-3 with 7:21 on the clock. Baca struck again with just under six minutes remaining to give Villanova its first scoring run of the day. Sara Withers got in on the scoring for the 'Cats, netting the first goal of her career with 3:00 left to cut into the lead at 18-5. Indiana countered 20 seconds later with a closing goal from Grace Klingler.

Baca connected on two of her five attempts in the contest and added on an assist. Withers led the group with a pair of steals and added a block. In net, Shelby made 10 saves and had two steals.

Villanova is back in the pool at 3:30 p.m. to take on Marist.