VILLANOVA, Pa. - In a back-and-forth battle against Saint Joseph's, Villanova women's lacrosse earned a 13-9 victory Tuesday afternoon at Villanova Stadium. 

Elena Torres put forth a season-best six points on four goals and two assists while Bella Piselli scored a quartet of goals as well. Emma Verhoest dominated draw controls, winning 14 herself to lead her team to a 20-4 edge in the category.

After Saint Joseph's struck first to open the contest, Sophia Corretjer evened the score at 1-1, sparking a 4-0 run for the Wildcats. Mary Moore gave Villanova a 2-1 edge on a free-position shot, and Torres followed with another free-position goal to extend the lead to 3-1.

Piselli recorded her second hat trick of the season in the opening quarter, tying her career total of hat tricks through just three games. She netted two goals - both assisted by Torres - and added another free position finish to help Villanova take a 6-2 lead at the end of the first.

The Hawks scored three consecutive goals early in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 6-5, but the 'Cats battled back with a 3-0 run of their own. Leslie Iorio scored a man-up goal off an assist from Rose Christie at the 3:53 mark. Torres followed with a free-position goal, and Piselli extended the lead to 9-5 off a feed from Iorio. Saint Joseph's scored with 21 seconds remaining in the half, but Villanova carried a 9-6 advantage into the break.

An SJU goal cut the Villanova lead to 9-7 early in the third quarter. The 'Cats responded, as Iorio finished off an assist from Christie at the 12:06 mark to extend the advantage back to three. Torres later secured her hat trick in the frame, helping push Villanova's lead to 11-7 heading into the final quarter of play.

Torres buried her fourth goal of the day to open the fourth quarter, extending the Villanova lead. Anne Edens added another for the 'Cats soon after, netting her first career goal to push the advantage to 13-7 with four minutes remaining in regulation. St. Joe's converted on a man-up opportunity with 57 seconds remaining, but it wasn't enough as the game ended 13-9 in favor of Villanova.

The 'Cats return to action on Feb. 21, hosting Rutgers at home. First draw is set for 12 p.m. from Villanova Stadium.