PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Villanova women's lacrosse took down a Big 5 rival on Wednesday afternoon, defeating the La Salle Explorers 14-4 at McCarthy Stadium.
Sami Carey and Jillian Vaught each totaled four points on a hat trick and an assist, while Sophia Corretjer (one goal, one assist) and Sydney Pappas (two goals) both contributed a pair of points for Villanova (2-1).
Emma Verhoest tied her career high with 14 draw controls and Katie Giordano led the 'Cats with three ground balls. Amelia Ricciuti paced the squad with two caused turnovers with Cate Gallagher (four saves, win) and Makenzie Fisher (three stops) combining for seven saves between the pipes.
"I was really proud of our team today for a great team win," head coach Jill Batcheller said. "Some highlights were the nine different goal scorers and the way our team started the game with urgency. This is our first two-game week so we're excited to get back to work tomorrow to prepare for Navy."
It was a game of first for the Wildcats, as it marked the collegiate debut for five players: Fisher, Rachel Hackler, Quinn McCarren, Bella Piselli and Georgia Sobocinski. It was also the first career goal and hat trick for Vaught, the first ever caused turnover for Maggie Masuret and the first appearance and save for Fisher.
Maddy Stoddard also racked up her first assist as a Wildcat, Jenna Greason caused her first turnover of the year and 11 players made their first appearances on the turf in 2024.
Carey got the scoring started with a strong dodge from X for the opening goal of the game and after La Salle answered, it was a 5-0 Villanova run to cap the first quarter. The next four in a row came unassisted off the crosses of Corretjer, Carey, Maddie Luer and Cara Moreau, then Pappas got on the scoresheet by slamming home a feed from Carey to lead 6-1 after one.
The Explorers struck first in the second stanza, but it was a 5-0 Wildcat run to finish out the opening 30 minutes. Elena Torres and Pappas struck on free position shots, then Stoddard brought one upfield and fed Carey for her hat trick tally.
It was two freshmen finishing off the half on a high note, with the first career tally for Vaught coming with 38 seconds left before Rose Christie fired one home with just three ticks remaining to establish an 11-2 lead following two quarters.
Period three was a frenetic frame with just a trio of goals and 11 combined turnovers, but Vaught converted on a dime from Corretjer before assisting Jessie Lee on the senior's lone tally of the season to put the 'Cats up 13-3 after three.
The lone VU goal of the final stanza came from the stick of Vaught, reaching her first career hat trick, and La Salle tallied one last chance to grant Villanova a 14-4 victory.
UP NEXT: The 'Cats make a trip south for the weekend, heading to Annapolis for a bout with No. 17 Navy at 3 p.m. from Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
