CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.—Villanova took down Ball State 4-3 on Friday behind senior captain
Amanda Middleman's two goals and one assist.
The Wildcats (1-0) opened the season aggressively as they recorded 20 shots on goal, their most in a game since 2016. Middleman netted her first goal nearly six minutes into the contest capitalizing on a counterattack started by the defensive efforts of 5
th year back
Hannah Barsky. After a Ball State equalizer, Middleman found senior captain
Meghan Mitchell midway through the second quarter to put the Wildcats ahead for good.
"I wanted to start super strong and create good vibes going into the season and I did exactly that so I could not be prouder," said Middleman.
In the third quarter junior midfielder
Emma Schwarz found Middleman for a tap in followed by sophomore
Evelyn O'Neill's first career goal which put the Wildcats ahead 4-1. After a late push from the Cardinals the Wildcats hung on to win.
Wildcats head coach
Joanie Milhous was happy to pick up the win, but insisted there is more work to do.
"We learned a lot today," Milhous reflected. "We had a lot of shots which was positive, but we put it right at their goalkeeper… Our shooting percentage was not good. It was great that we got so many shots, but we shot so poorly."
Milhous praised the performances of her experienced leaders.
"I think there were some really good positives," said Milhous. "Amanda played a great game; she was successful in her shot attempts which was key. However, the biggest takeaway I thought was Hannah. Hannah had such an amazing game; she was all over the field."
The win marks the third straight year Villanova has won its season opener. The Wildcats scored four or more goals in all those wins.
Ball State (0-1) was led by Fleur Knopert with two goals as well as Paloma Rengifo with one. Cardinal goalkeeper Hannah Johnston recorded 16 saves in the loss.
Villanova returns to action Friday, September 1
st when they travel to Newark, Delaware to take on the University of Delaware. Game time is set for 5pm.
