Villanova Falls 3-0 to Penn in Sunday Matchup
The Villanova field hockey team fell 3-0 to Penn on Sunday, October 4, bringing its overall record to 7-4 and snapping a two-game win streak. Penn opened the scoring early in the first quarter and maintained control through the final whistle. Reese Czajkowski scored the first goal less than five minutes into the game to put the Quakers up 1-0 in a period where Penn outshot Villanova six to four.
Villanova responded by earning a penalty corner and firing three shots, all of which were turned away by the Penn defense. The Wildcats forced another chance shortly after, but it also failed to result in a goal.
Riley Thompson Scores as Penn Leads Early
Penn quickly answered the pressure by earning two penalty corners. While the first chance resulted in two saved shots, the second produced a goal by Riley Thompson to push the score to 2-0 before the end of the first quarter.
The Quakers carried their momentum into the second half, outshooting Villanova four to two in the second frame. Just under four minutes into the second frame, Penn fired two quick shots that were saved by Villanova goalkeeper Maddi Sears, which led to another penalty corner. Villanova mounted a late-quarter push, forcing four shots and holding Penn scoreless in the third frame, though attempts by Ava Borkowski, Colleen Finnan, Katharina Balks, and Gemma Lysaght all missed the target.
Empty-Net Goal Seals the Shutout
Defenses stood tall through the opening minutes of the fourth quarter until Penn earned a penalty corner that forced a save on a shot by Riley Thompson. With just over five minutes remaining in regulation, Villanova pulled Sears from the cage to gain a player advantage on the field.
The strategy failed when Victoria Manzur and Lucy Mangat assisted Emma Nahon for an empty-net goal, sealing the 3-0 victory for Penn.
Rosters and Personnel
Villanova’s lineup featured Ava Borkowski, Jane Bresnahan, Ashton Odiorne, Maeve Boston, Anna Shirley, Molly Zimmerman, Eileen Mazzaro, Gemma Lysaght, Colleen Finnan, Sophie Volkel, and Carey Werley. During the match, Evangeline Minnella replaced Anna Shirley, Barrett Trigg replaced Colleen Finnan, Avery Ritt replaced Eileen Mazzaro, Evelyn O’Neill replaced Ashton Odiorne, and Erin Mitchell replaced Jane Bresnahan. Carey Werley also received a green card.
Penn’s roster included Honor Roberts, Sydney Mandato, Julia Ryan, Amy Lanouette, Emma Nahon, Philine Klas, Livia Loozen, Maxi Aranowitz, Darcey Chapman, Jazmin Borensztein, and Ruby de Frees.
Old Dominion Matchup on October 9
Villanova stays on the road for a BIG EAST matchup against Old Dominion on Friday, October 9, at 1:00 p.m. Following the contest, the Wildcats return home to host Hofstra on Sunday, October 11, at 12:00 p.m.
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