May 10, 1999

As Villanova head coach Randy Marks looks back at his 17th season on the Main Line, he can have fond memories as his Wildcats finished with an impressive 8-6 record, despite playing one of the toughest schedules in the country. There were many bright spots for the Cats, including victories over Drexel, St. Joseph's, Patriot League Champion Lehigh, but what is etched in the minds of all Wildcat lacrosse faithful is Villanova's first victory over the Penn Quakers. Shining stars like John McTigue, who led the team with 44 points and 35 assists, Christopher Larson who had 31 goals, and Evan Clancy, who's senior leadership kept the Wildcats together, all made generous contributions to this outstanding team.

The season started against Denver as sophomore Andy Bogle started the year right where he left off as he lead the Wildcats with six points on two goals and four assists, defeating the Pioneers, 8-7. The victory was the first opening day win for Villanova since 1991. The next two games for Nova would be their hardest stretch as they faced two nationally ranked powerhouses in Penn State and Notre Dame. In State College, Pa., the Nittany Lions didn't have much trouble, sending the Cats home with a 13-7 loss. One bright spot was freshman Justin Marks who recorded two goals and two assists to lead Villanova in the loss. Returning home to face the Fighting Irish wasn't the homecoming Nova was looking for, but they were up to the task, taking Notre Dame to the limit, eventually falling 14-10.

Villanova looked to get back on the winning side against Lafayette as the Wildcats exploded for 17 goals, in which Christopher Larson netted seven goals and Andy D'Amico added four more in the 17-10 victory. Looking to string together their first winning streak of the season, the Cats faced Dartmouth at Villanova Stadium. The Wildcats got on the board first and never looked back as Larson and Bogle each tallied two goals and one assist, to lead Nova to the 10-9 victory and their second straight win. Next, they would have to face rival Drexel at Franklin Field. In an emotional game, Villanova's Eric Dauer scored two of his three goals in the last 1:30 to give the Wildcats the 9-8 victory and bring their record to 4-2.

The Wildcats then took their streak on the road to take on Bucknell. The Bison stomped out Nova's streak, defeating the Wildcats 11-7. But Villanova returned home to Sacred Heart as ten Wildcats scored in the 13-7 victory. Without much time the celebrate, the Cats were back on the road for their final road trip that was not kind. Traveling to Baltimore, Md. to take on the No. 2 Johns Hopkins Blue Jays proved dangerous as Hopkins flew past Villanova 16-5. Then Nova took on Fairfield and let the Stags slip by with a 13-12 win. The loss lowered Villanova's record back to .500, 5-5. On their final homestand, the Wildcats couldn't afford to look past their opponent. Rival St. Joseph traveled down the Main Line to take on Villanova. The heated rivalry was won by the Cats on this day as they beat-up on the Hawks 21-11 as John McTigue tallied six points on two goals and four assists and Andy Bogle added five points on three goals and two assists. The following Wednesday was the climax for the men's lacrosse season as Villanova defeated Pennsylvania for the first time in school history. Led by Evan Clancy, the Wildcat defense shut down the Quakers and John McTigue's six assists led the Cats to the 7-5 victory, increasing their record to 7-5.

On senior day, Villanova faced yet another nationally ranked team in the Georgetown Hoyas. The Wildcats had a hard time keeping up with GU as the Hoyas ran past Nova 15-6, despite two goals by both Christopher Larson and John McTigue. In the season finale, Villanova looked to finish the season strong against Patriot league Champion Lehigh. In one of their best performances of the season, the Wildcats proved that they were for real as they defeated the Mountain Hawks 9-7. John McTigue recorded his second six-assist outing and Eric Dauer added three goals in the triumph. With the victory, Villanova finished the season 8-6 and their .643 winning percentage was the best since 1991 when Nova finished 9-5.

At a single glance, the 1999 season could be looked at as an average one, finishing 8-6. But at a closer look, the feats that were accomplished by this gritty team were unprecedented. Highlighted by the Philadelphia sweep of Drexel, St. Joseph's and Pennsylvania, the Wildcats made the 99 season a memorable one. More importantly, they set another standard for the future of Villanova men's lacrosse to match.