PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Providence College field hockey team fell to BIG EAST foe Villanova, 2-1, on Friday, Oct. 23 in Providence, R.I. The Wildcats rallied to score two goals in the final 2:37 of regulation to secure the victory. The Friars dropped to 9-6 on the season (2-3 BIG EAST), while the Wildcats improved to 9-6 (3-2 BIG EAST).
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1STÂ QUARTER:
• The first quarter was a scoreless draw (0-0).
• Providence led in shots, 2-1, while Villanova held a 2-0 advantage in attacking penalty corners.
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2NDÂ QUARTER:
• The game remained scoreless through the second quarter (0-0).
• The Friars outshot the Wildcats, 7-1, in the frame, including a 4-1 edge in shots on goal.
• Providence also held a 3-2 advantage in penalty corners during the quarter.
• Villanova goalkeeper Maddi Sears made five saves in the first half and Gemma Lysaght was credited with a defensive save in the second quarter.
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Ava Porter made two saves in the first half.
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3RDÂ QUARTER:
• The stalemate continued through the third quarter, with each team attempting three shots and one penalty corner.
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4THÂ QUARTER:
• The decisive fourth quarter featured three goals.
• Senior
Martu Torre Festa struck first to give Providence a 1-0 advantage at 49:16. She drove the right baseline and snuck the ball behind the goalkeeper for her third tally of the season.
• Villanova pulled Sears at 54:20 in favor of the extra attacker and the Wildcats got the game-tying goal at 57:23 (1-1). Molly Zimmerman scored the goal and was assisted by Lysaght.
• At 58:09, the Friars were awarded a penalty corner. It resulted in a broken play and the Wildcats got out in transition. Colleen Finnan cashed in with the eventual game-winning goal for Villanova with 31-seconds left in regulation. She was assisted by Aimee Largoza.Â
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NOTES / HIGHLIGHTS:
• Porter finished the match with four saves, while Sears registered six saves and the team backstopped her with two defensive saves.
• At halftime, Providence led in shots (9-2) and shots on goal (6-2). The Wildcats posted a narrow advantage in attacking corners, 4-3.
• Through regulation, Providence held a 13-9 edge in shots, including a 9-6 advantage in shots on goal. The Wildcats finished with an 8-6 edge in penalty corners.
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WHAT'S NEXT:
• The Friars will return to action on Sunday, Oct. 25 against non-conference foe Fairfield at Lennon Family Field in Providence, R.I. The match is scheduled to start at Noon and will be streamed on ESPN+. Prior to the game, the program will honor its senior class which includes:
Lily Procaccianti,
Florencia Talarico,
Macie Pennisi,
Carly van Benten,
Bo Martina and
Charlotte Lorden.
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- GO FRIARS! -Â
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