PHILADELPHIA, Pa.—Villanova played one of its best games of the season in the BIG EAST semifinals on Friday afternoon. They hung tough and battled with one of the top teams in the nation, nearly pulling off an unbelievable upset. In the end, Liberty survived to win 3-2 and advance to Sunday's championship game.

The Wildcats settled into the game after early chances by the Flames. Freshman goalkeeper Maddi Sears came up with two huge saves in the opening five minutes to keep the score tied. Villanova controlled possession for the remainder of the first quarter. Midfielders Maeve Boston and Anne Drabbe did a great job of keeping the ball on the offensive side of the field alongside backs Hannah Barsky, Shannon Drakeley, and Gemma Lysaght.

Liberty salvaged a penalty corner two minutes into the second quarter and converted thanks to a Jodie Connely blast. The Wildcats kept their composure and stayed strong when it seemed like the Flames would pull away. They earned their first penalty corner of the game with just under six minutes remaining in the period. The Flames blocked Sabine de Ruijter's shot, cleared the ball, and executed a counterattack to win a corner of their own which they converted to take a two goal lead into the halftime break.

Villanova came out of the locker room with energy and started the third quarter strong. Raina Smolij took possession from the Flames two minutes into the quarter and played a top-notch ball over the defense to Amanda Middleman who won a penalty stroke after being fouled by Flame goalkeeper Azul Iritxity Irigoyen. De Ruijter stepped up to the spot and fired the ball into the top left corner of the net to pull within one. Momentum did not stop there for the 'Cats as one minute later Emma Schwarz's deflection just missed wide off a corner. With two minutes remaining in the period, Liberty managed to bypass the Wildcat defense and convert a two on one opportunity. Villanova's video referral appeal was denied, and the goal was given to raise the deficit heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year Meghan Mitchell converted a deflection off the shot from Anne Drabbe to make the score 3-2. Liberty prevented any Wildcat attempt to advance up the field in the final six minutes and finished the game on top.

 The Wildcats held their heads high after the final buzzer sounded. They left all that they had on the field and Joanie Milhous could not have been prouder of her team.

Villanova was led by their star duo of Mitchell and de Ruijter with a goal apiece. Drabbe tallied an assist, and Sears recorded three saves in what was her first career start in goal. Milagros Arteta led Liberty with two goals, Irigoyen recorded two saves for the Flames.

The Wildcats conclude the 2023 season with a record of 9-9 and have a lot to look forward to in the future. Sabine de Ruijter will be back for a fifth year and Mitchell and Middleman have the option as well. Milhous told reporters after the game, "We will be back, I know we will be back."