March 24, 2007

Final Stats

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. - A goal by Iona's Jaclyn O'Leary in the second overtime stanza lifted the Gaels (3-2) to a 9-8 victory over Villanova (2-4) in a women's lacrosse match played here this afternoon.

The O'Leary goal put a disappointing end to a valiant Villanova second half rally that saw the Wildcats score the final three goals of regulation to force the extra periods.

The contest was tight through most of the day. The score was knotted at five at intermission before the Gaels jumped out with three goals in the first nine minutes of the second half to seemingly take charge. But the Wildcats fought back.

Christina Bahrs converted an opportunity into a score to bring the Wildcats within two with just over 17 minutes left. Taryn McKenna then added another score with 9:08 left in the second half to draw Villanova within one. Samantha McKillip capped the rally when she converted a free position shot with 5:47 left in regulation to draw the `Cats even.

Neither team produced a goal in the first overtime before O'Leary got the game-winner two minutes into the second overtime period.

Bahrs had two goals for the `Cats while Erica Rybinski contributed a goal and two assists. Villanova goalie Jess Brozena made seven saves in net for Villanova.

The Wildcats look to bounce back on Sunday afternoon when they travel to Syracuse, N.Y. to face LeMoyne College at noon.