VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova (4-3) narrowly defeated Monmouth 12-11 on Saturday afternoon. Justin Coppola was excellent going 18-24 on faceoff opportunities for the ‘Cats.
The first half was back and forth as Monmouth (3-4) applied early pressure scoring first and last in the opening quarter. Matt Licata scored Villanova’s lone two goals of the period as the Hawks led 4-2. The Wildcats rallied in the second quarter scoring four unanswered goals to jump out to a 6-4 lead at halftime.
Dan Martin opened the scoring in the second half to extend the Wildcat lead to its largest at three before the Hawks responded with three unanswered goals to tie the game at seven. Licata and Colin Michener closed the third quarter with a pair of goals and the ‘Cats took a 9-7 lead into the fourth quarter where Monmouth rallied for three unanswered goals to take their only lead of the second half.
Trailing 10-9, Licata found the back of the net off a brilliant pass from David Link then Luke Raymond gave the Wildcats the lead a minute later. Michener added a much-needed insurance goal with three minutes remaining to seal the win.
The Hawks were led by Brendan Dundas and Connor Gorman who finished with hat tricks. Goalie Tommy Heller made 10 saves in the loss.
Licata led the way for the Wildcat attack finishing with four goals and an assist. Michener also continued his impressive freshman campaign with a hat trick. Thomas McIntire racked up two goals and an assist and Link finished with two points. Stephen Zupicich caused three turnovers and Anthony Wilson made eight saves in the win.
Photo Gallery: Villanova vs Monmouth 3/16/24
UP NEXT: Villanova will travel to Annapolis, Maryland, this Tuesday for a midweek matchup against Navy. Opening faceoff is set for 7:00 p.m.