PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Villanova University field hockey team erased a two-goal deficit in the third quarter to defeat Providence, 3-2, on Friday (Nov. 1) at Lennon Family Field. Fifth year forward Sabine de Ruijter scored two goals while sophomore midfielder Jane Bresnahan added her first career goal to complete the comeback.
 
The Wildcats (10-7, 4-3 BIG EAST) will end the season on a three-game winning streak for the second time in the last three seasons.
 
In the first quarter, Providence (7-10, 3-4 BIG EAST) jumped out to an early lead with a goal by Bella DelNegro just 2:33 into the game. The Friars followed up with a second goal by Macie Pennisi midway through the second quarter to take a 2-0 lead into halftime.
 
Just over 90 seconds into the second half, de Ruijter scored her first goal of the game off a penalty corner, with assists to Emma Schwarz and Raina Smolij. Schwarz and Smolij finished the season as the Wildcats' top two assist leaders, with 10 and nine assists, respectively.  
 
With 3:34 remaining in the third quarter, Bresnahan gathered a loose ball near the top of the shooting circle and fired a backhanded shot into the back of the cage, tying the game at 2-2.
 
Less than a minute later, the Wildcats earned a penalty stroke, and de Ruijter converted on the opportunity to give Villanova a 3-2 lead. The game-winning score was de Ruijter's 15th goal and led to her fourth multi-goal game of the season.
 
Providence put a pair of shots on goal in the fourth quarter, but both were saved by Villanova goalkeeper Maddi Sears. With just under three minutes remaining, the Wildcats substituted senior goalie Emma Leppert into the game, who held on to the lead to give Villanova the 3-2 win.
 
Sears made three saves and earned the win, improving to 10-7 on the season. Providence goalkeeper Asia Porter was credited with the loss despite making three saves.
 
De Ruijter and fellow fifth-year Meghan Mitchell tied for the most games played in Villanova history with their participation and broke the record for most consecutive starts with 84. The pair wrap up a historic five-year run in which they accounted for a combined 47 goals and 234 points in their careers.

"I'm very happy for our seniors and fifth years," said head coach Joanie Milhous. "To end their careers with a come-from-behind win was fantastic. They never stopped working. This is a very special group that will be missed!"