FINAL STATS
Villanova, PA – An early 6-0 deficit proved insurmountable for the Wagner College women's lacrosse team as Villanova ran past the Seahawks 17-9 in non-conference play this afternoon.
The Seahawks, who were coming off a crisp 16-7 victory over Central Connecticut St. in their Northeast Conference opener on Friday, fell to 2-6 on the season while Villanova improved to 2-6.
Villanova took control early by scoring six unanswered goals in the game's first 11 minutes. Seniors Tayrn McKenna and Katie Stone joined forces with junior Erica Rybinski to lead the way, with each scoring four goals in the win.
Stone got the `Cats off on the right foot with an unassisted goal 16 seconds after the opening draw was won by teammate Carly Miller. Miller then won the second draw, Villanova took possession, and soon Rybinski had made it 2-0 on her own unassisted goal.
With Wagner trailing 6-0, sophomore attack Karen Vitkus (Skaneateles, NY/ Skaneateles) got the Seahawks on the scoreboard off a feed from junior midfielder Teri Noll (Jordan, NY/ Jordan-Elbridge Central) at 16:03. But MeKenna and Rybinski struck again with goals before Seahawk senior midfielder Cara Gonzalez (Syracuse, NY/ Westhill) got one back for the Seahawks but 'Nova was in control 11-4 at halftime.
The Wildcats kept the Seahawks at arm's length the rest of the day as Villanova scored the first three goals of the second half in stretching the lead to 14-4.
Gonzalez and Noll paced the Seahawks with two goals apiece. Junior goalie Alex Johnston (Manilus, NY/ Fayetteville-Manlius) had eight saves in the opening half while senior Amy Jones (Jarrettsville, MD/ North Harford) came on to record four saves while playing the entire second half.
In addition to her four goals, Rybinski was credited with a pair of assists for Villanova. Lucy scored two goals for the Wildcats while Miller and Kim Wisniewski each found the back of the net for the Wildcats. Sophomore Maggie Langan made five saves in goal before giving way to junior Cassie Eure with just over six minutes left in the contest.
Villanova out-shot Wagner 33-19, led in groundballs 17-12 and held a 19-9 edge in draw controls.
The Seahawks return to NEC play on Friday, March 27 when they travel to Robert Morris for a 4:00 pm meeting with the Colonials.
