VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova (6-4, 0-1) was defeated by No. 9 Denver (7-2, 1-0) by a score of 9-6 in a tightly contested battle at Villanova Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Without faceoff star Justin Coppola who was sidelined with an injury, the Wildcats struggled to gain possession.

Villanova's defense took control of the game early as they caused 10 turnovers in the opening half, but the Pioneer defense responded causing 10 as well. Dan Martin opened the games scoring three minutes into the contest and the Wildcats would not find the back of the net for 18 minutes until Colin Michener picked up a ground ball and fired a shot home to tie the score at two. After a Denver goal, Matt Licata scored with 18 seconds remaining to even the score at three going into the halftime break.

Denver seized control of the game early in the third quarter with four unanswered goals. Nicholas Lucchesi netted Villanova's first goal of the second half in the fourth quarter but Denver would tack on two more goals to take a commanding 9-4 lead with 12 minutes remaining. Will Wheeler scored his first goal of the season with an impressive shot into the left netting to get the Wildcats within three.

Lucchesi and Martin each chipped in two points to lead the Wildcats. Stephen Zupicich and Jack Shoemaker anchored the defense causing four turnovers apiece. In the faceoff department, Lucas Kopecky won three and Ryan Cunningham claimed two. Anthony Wilson was impressive yet again recording 13 saves with a .591 save percentage.

Denver was led by Michael Lampert with two goals and two assists. Noah Manning chipped in two goals and Jimmy Freehill caused five turnovers. Goalie Malcom Kleban was credited with seven saves in the win.

UP NEXT: Villanova will host Providence next Saturday, April 6 for senior day. The opening faceoff is set for noon.