February 25, 2008

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - In a busy weekend at the Maryland Invitational, Villanova (0-5) lost three matches to strong regional and national competition. The Wildcats opened the weekend with an 18-5 loss to 19th-ranked Bucknell and were also defeated by the host Terrapins (16-9) as well as by George Washington (14-3).

No. 19 Bucknell 18, Villanova 5

In the first match of the weekend, the nationally-ranked Bison built an early lead with seven goals in the first quarter and six more in the second. Bucknell led 13-1 at halftime and its lead was never threatened in the second half. Freshman Maria Apablasa (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) had a hand in all five Villanova goals, scoring three and assisting on the other two. Senior Julie Ramaley (Old Greenwich, Conn.) and freshman Kathleen Maloney (Chicago, Ill.) each added goals for the Wildcats and senior goalie Erin Foley (Chicago, Ill.) made five saves.

Maryland 16, Villanova 9

Villanova received goals from five different players and with the exception of the second quarter hung in with the host Terrapins. The teams were tied 3-3 at the end of the first quarter but Maryland owned a 5-1 scoring edge in the second period and opened a 9-4 advantage at halftime. Ramaley scored three goals for the Wildcats, while Maloney and freshman Nicole Lum (Roseville, Calif.) scored added two goals apiece.

George Washington 14, Villanova 3

In a rematch of its season opener, Villanova was shut out in the first half of the contest and trailed 9-0 at the intermission. The Wildcats got on the board with a goal in the third quarter and added two tallies in the final period. Ramaley, Lum and Maloney all scored for Villanova, while Foley registered five saves for the third straight match.

UP NEXT

Villanova will be in action at the Siena Invitational on March 1-2. The Wildcats will face Penn State Behrend, the host Saints, and Gannon during the weekend.