CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.—The Villanova field hockey team returns to action with two home matches this weekend against No. 12 Rutgers, and Lasalle.

The Wildcats (2-1) are coming off their largest margin of victory since 2016 as they took down Longwood 7-0 on Sunday afternoon. Meghan Mitchell led the way with two goals and a career high three assists as she was named to the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll for the fifth time in her career. Freshman Maeve Boston is proving to be a key piece for the Wildcats in the midfield as she earned her first career point with an assist to Mitchell in the second quarter. Sophomore Eileen Mazzaro is transitioning into her new starting roll nicely as she scored her first career goal in the win.  

Rutgers (4-0) is coming off a dramatic 2-1 shootout win at No. 15 Uconn on Friday evening. The Scarlet Knights are led by their defense as they have held opponents to just two goals all season. They began the 2023 campaign in California as they swept all three division one programs in state (Stanford, Cal, UC Davis) by a combined score of 6-1. They recently rose four spots in the national poll to No. 12.

Lasalle moved to 3-1 with their shutout win over Rider last week. The Explorers face Fairfield on Friday afternoon at the Conshohocken Proving Grounds. Their lone loss came at BIG EAST foe Temple to open their season by a score of 2-1. They are led by Clara Larripa who has 8 points on the season.

The Wildcats have won five consecutive home games and 10 out of the last 11. To continue that streak they will have to beat a nationally ranked opponent for the first time since 2018. Friday's game is set for 6pm and Sunday's 12pm.