CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. – The Villanova University field hockey team opened BIG EAST play with a 6-1 win over Georgetown on Friday (Sept. 20) at the Conshohocken Proving Grounds. Forwards Ava Borkowski and Colleen Finnan each posted two goals on the afternoon.
 
Meghan Mitchell and Sabine de Ruijter also tacked on goals. Mitchell's score was the 47th of her career, taking sole possession of third-most career goals in Villanova history. De Ruijter's goal was her team-best sixth of the season, and her fourth straight game with a goal scored.
 
Late in the first quarter, Finnan fired a shot into the back of the net to put the Wildcats in front, 1-0.
 
The Blue and White added three goals to its total within the first five minutes of the second quarter. The hot streak started when Mitchell deflected a shot from a penalty corner into the net. Less than two minutes later, de Ruijter scored to extend the Villanova lead to 3-0. Shortly after goalie Maddi Sears saved a pair of Georgetown shots, Borkowski went coast-to-coast, dribbling the ball well into the Hoyas' territory before sending a backhanded shot into the net for her fourth goal of the season.
 
With 2:21 remaining in the half, Borkowski added another goal to put Villanova ahead 5-0 at halftime. Mitchell was credited with an assist.
 
After a scoreless third quarter, Georgetown's Sophie Towne scored the Hoyas' first goal of the afternoon. A lengthy review ensued, but the goal was upheld to cut the Wildcats' lead to 5-1.
 
With under a minute remaining, Finnan scored her second goal of the game from a penalty corner to seal the 6-1 Villanova win. She finished the game with two goals and one assist, for a career- and team-best five points.
 
"I'm proud of our team and happy to kick off BIG EAST play with a win," said head coach Joanie Milhous. "It was exciting to see so many different goal scorers; it highlights the diverse scoring threats we have. This depth will be key moving forward!"
 
Sears earned the win after making four saves, improving to 4-3 on the season. Georgetown goalie Ella Fahey was credited with a loss for the Hoyas.
 
Up next, Villanova will travel to its head coach's alma mater to face William & Mary on Sunday (Sept. 22). The game will be played at Busch Field in Williamsburg, Va., and will begin at noon.