VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova (1-2) took down No. 20 Colgate (3-3) 15-9 on Saturday afternoon. The Wildcats outscored Colgate 5-1 in the first quarter and did not let up with nine Villanova players finding the back of the net and 13 goals being assisted. Matt Licata led the way with three goals and a career-high four assists.

"Our guys did a great job handling Colgate's 10-man ride and not allowing them to get rolling in the first quarter," said head coach Mike Corrado. "Our defense did a really good job of making it difficult for them to get high percentage chances and our offense kept the pressure on."

Villanova's defense forced 11 turnovers in the victory. Ohio State transfer Stephen Zupicich led the way with a career-high four caused turnovers while David Evanchick and Jack Shoemaker each caused three.

Licata opened the games scoring with a man up goal two minutes into the contest. Dan Martin and Tyler Boes followed with goals of their own before Licata and Lucas Newton made it 5-0 ten minutes into the game. The Raiders responded and cut the Villanova lead down to three at the halftime break. Colin Michener scored two of his three goals in the second quarter and Licata also found the back of the net.

The Wildcats came out hungry to start the second half as they outscored Colgate 4-2 in the third quarter and broke the game open. The highlight of the frame came from Zupicich, who forced a turnover and went the length of the field to score his first career goal. The Wildcat bench erupted, and they used that momentum to pull away for good.

Corrado had high praise for his young freshmen who continue to improve week by week. Among them was Lucas Newton, who scored two goals in what was his first career start. Michener continued his hot start scoring three goals and Ryan Cunningham went a perfect 2-2 on faceoffs. Goalie Anthony Wilson recorded nine saves in his first career win.

Mason Reale also dished out a career-high four assists for the Wildcats and Luke Raymond picked up two points. Justin Coppola won 12 faceoffs and picked up 10 ground balls in the win.

Villanova returns to action next Saturday when they travel to Lehigh for an 11 a.m. start.