BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Stella Byles turned in a team-high five goal outing as Villanova fell to Harvard, 23-11, Sunday morning at the Counsilman-Billingsley Aquatic Center.

Villanova (0-3) converted on five of its 10 penalty attempts but committed 14 turnovers in the loss. The 'Cats could not overcome a balanced Harvard (2-1) side that grabbed 16 steals and scored eight of its 23 goals on powerplays.

The Crimson put up the first goal of the game nearly two minutes into action, but a penalty on Harvard gave Villanova a chance to counter. Stella Byles lined up for the penalty shot and connected, tying the game 1-1 at the 4:13 mark. Harvard grabbed onto a 3-0 run that was stopped again by Byles, this time on an even strength opportunity. The Crimson struck again in the final minute and a half, making it 5-2 through the opening period.

Harvard opened the second period on a three-goal run that was stopped by Sara Withers on a powerplay to make it 8-3. Another two-goal stretch was stopped this time by Amelia Baca on another powerplay, leaving it at 10-4 at the half.

Emily McKenzie and Stella Byles cut into the Harvard lead with a pair of goals to make it 12-6 with 5:01 on the clock in the third. Byles netted her fourth goal of the day at the 2:35 mark of the third, getting Villanova withing six at 13-7. Harvard closed the period on a 3-0 run, sending the game into the fourth at 17-6.

The Crimson extended its scoring run with a goal 18 seconds into the fourth. Villanova gained some ground with a pair of goals from Byles and Joia McKinney to get the score 17-9. Lauren Picard ended a 5-0 Harvard run with 0:52 remaining, netting a powerplay goal to make it 22-10. The 'Cats final goal of the day came from Baca at the buzzer.

Villanova closes its time at the Hoosier Invite with a 12:30 p.m. contest against Cal State East Bay.