CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. – The Villanova University field hockey team will host Drexel on Friday (Sept. 6) and Mercyhurst on Monday (Sept. 9) at the Conshohocken Proving Grounds to wrap up an early-season three-game homestand. Both games will start at 5 p.m. and will be streamed live on FloSports.
 
The Wildcats (1-1) split their first two games after falling at James Madison on Friday, Aug. 30, and defeating Sacred Heart in a 3-0 shutout on Sunday (Sept. 1). Captains Meghan Mitchell, Sabine de Ruijter and Emma Schwarz each scored a goal in the Wildcats' win.
 
Mitchell's goal against Sacred Heart was the 45th of her career, tying her with Sandy Arena (1975-78) for fifth most in program history. De Ruijter's goal was her 33rd, bringing her to 13th most in program history with Jill Basile (1993-96) and Leah Lisausky (2000-03). With two assists, senior Raina Smolij recorded her fourth multi-assist game, tied for 12th most in program history.
 
Sophomore goalkeeper Maddi Sears earned her first career shutout in just her third start against Sacred Heart. Sears has started both games for Villanova to open the season after making just one start her freshman season in the BIG EAST Tournament.
 
Drexel is off to a 1-1 start to its season. The Dragons defeated Sacred Heart (Aug. 30) 2-1 to open their season before falling to Maryland on the road (Sept. 1), 2-0. Senior Midfielder Kenzie Lever is credited with both of the Dragons' goals of the season.
 
The Lakers (0-1) fell in their season opener to Rider, 7-0, on Sunday (Sept. 1). Mercyhurst goalkeeper Kayla Desormeau tallied 26 saves as the Lakers were outshot 49-2 on the afternoon.
 
Villanova leads the all-time series against Drexel, 21-13-1, while Monday's game will be the Wildcats' first matchup against Mercyhurst.