VILLANOVA, Pa. - Villanova women's lacrosse (8-5, 2-2 BIG EAST) dropped a 14-5 decision to No. 20 Denver at Villanova Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Villanova opened the scoring in the first quarter on a goal from Elena Torres, then extended its lead to 2-0 as Rose Christie found Mary Moore. The Wildcats held Denver scoreless through the first 15 minutes.

Denver responded early in the second quarter to get on the board, but Villanova answered as Moore connected with Christie to make it 3-1. The Pioneers cut the deficit to one before Bella Piselli capitalized on an assist from Moore to restore a two-goal lead at 4-2. Denver closed the half with another goal, sending the teams into the break with a 4-3 Villanova edge.

Momentum shifted in the third quarter as Denver evened the score at 4-4 on a free-position opportunity, then took its first lead of the game midway through the quarter. The Pioneers added another goal to cap a four-goal run, holding Villanova scoreless in the quarter and taking a 6-4 lead into the fourth.

Denver carried that momentum into the final quarter, scoring three straight goals to extend its run to seven unanswered and build a 9-4 advantage. They stretched the run to nine consecutive goals and an 11-4 lead with five minutes remaining. Christie and Moore connected once again to break the scoring drought for the Wildcats, but Denver closed the game with three more goals to secure the 14-5 final.

Emma Verhoest led with eight draw controls, while Allie Bell recorded seven saves in goal.

UP NEXT: The Wildcats will welcome Georgetown for their final home game of the regular season on April 18 at 11 a.m.