An 8-2 run in the final 20 minutes gave Navy (3-1) the edge over Villanova (0-3) Wednesday evening in Pennsylvania.
“Led by a strong senior group, Villanova put in a strong first half and looked like a group that really wanted to get its first win of the season after two tough losses before today,” Navy head coach Cindy Timchal said. “Our team really showed their resilient side in the second half with huge defensive stops, getting possessions in the draw circle and generating good offensive chances.”
Villanova started with a lead and was looking to put the game away early. The Wildcats scored three of the first four second half points to extend the lead to 7-4 with 21 minutes remaining.
Senior Katie Gallagher (Bel Air, Md.) who only had one goal in the first three games of the season, took control with back-to-back goals in under two minutes to cut the deficit to one.
After a goal by Big East preseason offensive player of the year Jackie Froccaro, Villanova was up 8-6.
Navy responded with four straight goals in just under 12 minutes. The Mids lead 10-8 with under four minutes remaining.
The Wilcats were able to cut the deficit to one, but the Mids put the game away scoring the final two goals of the game to improve to 3-1 on the season.
Navy returns home Saturday against Liberty at 12 p.m. at Navy-Marine Crops Memorial Stadium.
