PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Villanova (6-3) took down Brown 9-5 on Monday afternoon. Colin Michener scored four goals with an assist and Stephen Zupicich caused four turnovers with three ground balls to lead the Wildcats.

Michener and the Bears traded blows in the first quarter as Tyler Boes found the redshirt freshman to open the scoring three minutes in. After a Bears equalizer, Luke Raymond found Michener who converted on a slick running shot into the top right corner of the goal. Brown would once again tie the game as the quarter closed with the score tied at two.

In the second quarter Michener converted off a feed from Thomas McIntire and then scored an unbelievable behind the back goal to put the 'Cats up by two. The star of the day then found Mason Reale for a goal to give the Wildcats a 5-3 lead at halftime.

Defense and physicality filled the third quarter as the teams caused 10 turnovers. Brown scored the lone goal of the as they beat Villanova's 10-man ride with a goal from midfield.

The Wildcats broke the game open with three unanswered goals in the final frame as Boes scored the first goal of the second half three minutes in followed by goals from Dan Martin and Reale. Matt Licata extended his scoring streak to 10 games dating back to last season in the final minutes.

Stephen Zupicich was marvelous once again as he led the defense causing four turnovers to extend his season total to 28. Anthony Wilson had 11 saves with a .688 save percentage in the win. Justin Coppola started the game 5-5 on faceoffs but had to leave the game with an injury. Freshman Ryan Cunningham finished the game winning five faceoffs.

Brown (1-7, 0-1 Ivy League) was led by Ben Locke with two goals. Connor Theriault had 12 saves in the loss for the Bears.

UP NEXT: Villanova will head back home as they open BIG EAST conference play with Denver on Saturday, March 30. The opening faceoff is set for noon at Villanova Stadium.