MILWAUKEE, Wis. - Villanova women's lacrosse (8-4, 2-1 BIG EAST) suffered its first conference loss on Saturday afternoon, falling 16-9 at Marquette.

The Wildcats struck first as Ashlyn Hickey connected with Mary Moore for the opening goal, but Marquette quickly answered to even the score at 1-1 and then added another to take a 2-1 lead. Bella Piselli responded with a goal to tie it at two apiece, though the Golden Eagles closed the first quarter with another score to hold a 3-2 advantage.

Marquette opened the second quarter with a quick goal to make it 4-2. Sophia Corretjer found Leslie Iorio to bring Villanova back within one at 4-3, but Marquette answered with a three-goal run to extend its lead to 7-3. Moore added her second goal of the game to cut the deficit to 7-4, but the Golden Eagles scored four more to take an 11-4 lead into halftime.

The Golden Eagles opened the third quarter with another goal before Mary Moore completed her fifth hat trick of the season. She then assisted Jillian Vaught to keep the Wildcats within reach at 12-6. Marquette responded with two more goals, but Elena Torres found the back of the net late in the period as Villanova trailed 14-7 heading into the final quarter.

Hickey began the fourth quarter with a goal for the Wildcats, but Marquette responded with back-to-back scores to maintain control. Moore recorded her second assist of the game on a goal by Kathryn Monaco, bringing the final score to 16-9.

Kate O'Neill led Villanova with three ground balls and three caused turnovers, while Emma Verhoest controlled the draw with eight on the day.

UP NEXT:  The Wildcats will return home to host Denver on Saturday, April 11 at 12 p.m. as part of the LAX Fest doubleheader.