VILLANOVA, Pa.-- Villanova defeated Iona 10-8 in game two of the Villanova Invitational on Saturday afternoon. The fourth quarter featured seven total goals with the Wildcats coming out on top.

Freshman Emmie Mallory netted the game winning goal with three minutes remaining and Emily Mckenzie secured the win scoring with 1:34 left on the clock to put the 'Cats up two.

"I said to myself just keep pushing you will get a break after," said Mallory, who scored her first career goal in the win. "It felt amazing, I am so happy."

A highly played game saw no team lead by more than one goal in the first half. Anna Painter opened the game's scoring midway through the first quarter with a nifty shot around the goalie. After an Iona equalizer, goalie Gracin Kerry threw a full length pass down the pool to Stella Byles who gave her team a 2-1 lead after the first quarter. Byles converted yet again in the second quarter after the Gaels jumped out to a 4-3 lead to tie the game at halftime.

Villanova dominated the third quarter outscoring the Gaels 3-0. Mallory scored two goals and Mckenzie netted an impressive backhand shot in the period. Iona stormed back and was able to tie the game with 3:21 to play. That is when the attacking duo stepped up and sealed the game.

"They have always been a tough team for us so it's a big win seeing our hard work pay off," said Mckenzie, who finished with three goals in the contest.

Both Mckenzie and Mallory finished with three goals for the Wildcats. Gracin Kerry recorded nine saves and an assist, picking up the win in goal. The Wildcats return to action tomorrow at the Villanova Invitational when they face Mount Saint Mary's at 10:15 am.