TOWSON, MD—Villanova (3-3, 1-0) opened BIG EAST play by defeating Georgetown (0-7,0-1) 4-1 on Friday afternoon.

Sabine de Ruijter was the difference maker for the Wildcats as the BIG EAST Preseason Honoree scored two goals and tallied an assist.

"This was a full team effort," said de Ruijter. "Our coaches made key adjustments based off last game which payed off today… It is great to beat Georgetown and get off to a good start in the BIG EAST."

Things started off slow for both teams as the games first shot on goal came 11 minutes in. De Ruijter got the scoring started with 43 seconds remaining in the quarter by rifling a shot in off a penalty corner. The second quarter was scoreless with the Wildcats attempting seven shots to Georgetown's lone.

The Wildcats upped the pressure in the second half. Amanda Middleman tapped in the pass from Meghan Mitchell to make the score 2-1. Following a Hoya equalizer, Mitchell deflected in a de Ruijter attempt for her sixth goal of the season. De Ruijter then found the net once again thanks to an assist from fifth year senior Hannah Barsky, who recorded her first career point on the play.

Assistant coach Corey Mayer was pleased with her team's execution.

"The adjustments we made from last game led to success on attack and defense," said Mayer. "We were able to see the execution of that today… It was a whole team effort with those changes."

Alongside de Ruijter, the Wildcats were led by Mitchell with a goal and an assist. Anne Drabbe recorded two assists for Villanova, while Raina Smolij recorded one.

Hoya goalkeeper Bailey Tietz was credited with nine saves in the loss.

The Wildcats return home to take on Saint Francis on Sunday, September 17th at the Conshohocken Proving Grounds. Game time is set for 12pm.