VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova defeated Vermont 11-9 on Sunday afternoon. Cara Moreau scored the game winning goal with 1:53 remaining as the Wildcats scored four unanswered goals to close out the game. Mary Moore and Sydney Pappas led the way with four goals apiece.
 
"We really wanted to win, and we found a way," said head coach Jill Batchelor. "They really stuck to the system and had good discipline at the end. It took a few games but everyone has found their role where they impact the team and I'm really proud of them."
 
Villanova jumped out to an early 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Moore and Pappas, but Vermont responded to tie the game after one. Cate Gallagher was the star of the opening period making six impressive saves including two-point blank saves off a Catamount free position attempt.
 
The second quarter was entertaining with the 'Cats and Catamounts scoring four goals each to keep the score tied at halftime. Bella Piselli scored her second goal of the season and Moore completed her first half hat trick with two goals in the period. The Wildcats scored two goals in the final 36 seconds of the period when Pappas rifled a shot in, then Emma Verhoest won the draw which led to Moore finishing to tie the game with six seconds remaining.
 
The third quarter was sloppy with the teams combining for 19 turnovers. Vermont scored the lone goal of the period to take a 7-6 lead into the fourth quarter.

Vermont doubled its lead with 10 minutes remaining on a goal from Erin Kloostra before Pappas responded by scoring her third goal of the game. The reigning BIG EAST Co-Attacker of the Year has six hat tricks on the season. Vermont scored their second player up goal to extend their lead back to two with eight minutes remaining. Kayla Gulmi then maneuvered around the goal and found Pappas to cut the lead back down to one before Moore tied the game off a free position attempt with 3:44 left.
 
After calling a timeout with three minutes remaining, Pappas was forced to exit as there was blood on her uniform. Without their star Villanova worked the ball around and it led to Moreau scoring the game winner with nine seconds remaining on the shot clock. The Wildcats showed great poise all fourth quarter as Verhoest calmly won the ensuing draw and Sami Carey scored with 20 seconds on the clock.
 
Ava Vasile led the Catamounts with two goals and three assists. Goalie Anna Rosenberger made 11 saves in the loss.
 
UP NEXT: Villanova travels to Lafayette on Wednesday afternoon for a 2 p.m. showdown with the Leopards.