Williamsburg, Va. – Fifth year forward Sabine de Ruijter's two goals – including the game-winner in double overtime – lifted the Villanova University field hockey team to a 2-1 win over William & Mary on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 22) at Busch Field.
 
De Ruijter now has seven multi-goal games in her career and ranks seventh in program history in career goals with 40. Forward Meghan Mitchell, who assisted de Ruijter's overtime winner, is now tied for 11th in career assists with 24.
 
The Wildcats (5-3, 1-0 BIG EAST) were aggressive out of the gate, putting four shots on goal in the first five minutes of the first quarter. They finished the first period with eight shots on goal, all of which were saved by Tribe (0-8) goalkeeper Maddie George.
 
Early in the second quarter, William & Mary took a 1-0 lead with a goal by Erin Griffin. With less than four minutes until halftime, de Ruijter responded with a goal off a rebound, evening the score at 1-1 at the break.
 
The third and fourth quarters were quiet for both teams, as they combined for a total of three shots throughout the second half of regulation. Villanova took a one-player advantage late in the fourth quarter after a Tribe green card, but ultimately could not convert, sending the game into overtime.
 
Just under five minutes into the first overtime, the Wildcats drew a penalty corner but sophomore back Gemma Lysaght's shot was saved. Two minutes later, Willam & Mary drew a penalty corner of its own, but VU goalkeeper Maddi Sears made a clutch save and denied the opportunity, sending the game to a second overtime.
 
Early in the second extra period, Mitchell fed de Ruijter in front of the goal, who sealed the win with the score.
 
Sears improved to 5-3 after making three saves, while George made 11 saves but took the loss.

"I loved how we started and finished the game," said head coach Joanie Milhous. "William & Mary is a strong team. I'm happy for our team for the two-win weekend."
 
Up next, Villanova will return home to face BIG EAST opponent Quinnipiac on Friday (Sept. 27) at the Conshohocken Proving Grounds. The game will begin at 1 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on FloSports.