Villanova University

Nov. 6, 2005

Box Score

PISCATAWAY, N.J.- The No. 17 Wildcats (15-5, 4-1 Big East) fought all Sunday afternoon to overcome a powerful Connecticut (16-5) offense in the Big East Championship match. But after spending almost the entire game on defense, the `Cats were unable to hold them off in overtime losing, 3-2.

Villanova set the frantic tone early, scoring on its first and only penalty corner of the first half. Three minutes in, the Wildcats got the corner and Megan Foster (Berlin, N.J./Bishop Eustace) fired the ball into the net on a straight play from Lauren Campanelli (Langhorne, Pa./Neshaminy) and Sara Schmidt (Mullica Hill, N.J./Wilmington Friends). This was also the lone shot of the half for `Nova.

The rattled Huskies showed their frustration with Rebecca Helwig talking back to the referee receiving a green and yellow card resulting in a five minute penalty. Playing a man down, UConn still controlled the tempo and was able to put the ball in the cage at 24:48 when Meagan Hoffmann dribbled through the `Nova defense to score tying the game at one. Despite eleven shots and one goal called off, the teams went into the half with the score tied.

UConn controlled the second half tempo with the `Cats gaining spurts of offense. Alex Whalen (Basking Ridge, N.J./Ridge) kept the team alive in the goal with numerous impressive saves. The Huskies finally converted at 11:03 off of a penalty corner rebound. Whalen made the first save but was unable to trap the second shot by Kristin Galuski putting the Huskies ahead.

As it has all season, Villanova stepped up the challenge and found a way to score despite almost the entire half on defense. Foster took the first penalty corner of the second half which was saved by Melissa Bostwick. The `Nova dragger, Campanelli, stationed herself on the left side of the goal and controlled the rebound to slide it past Bostwick. This goal sent the game into overtime, Villanova's second of the season.

The overtime was a short one as UConn put it away two minutes in. The Huskies took possession and Laura Puddle passed it to Lindsey Leck who scored the game winner in sudden death overtime.

Whalen took the loss for the Wildcats with six saves, while Bostwick tallied the win with two. Connecticut held a huge advantage in both shots and penalty corners taking 21-5 and 14-3.

Meagan Hoffmann was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament with a good showing against Louisville in the semifinals and the first goal of the day for the Huskies against Villanova.

The Wildcats will now look for an at large bid in the NCAA Tournament. The Championship is composed of sixteen teams, ten at large and six automatics. Connecticut has received the Big East automatic bid. The selection show is scheduled for November 8th at 7:30 p.m. It can be seen on CSTV or watched via web streaming on www.bigeast.org.