March 21, 1998

PHILADELPHIA, PA. - On Saturday, March 21, the Villanova Wildcats were defeated 7-4 by the visiting Harvard Crimson at Villanova Stadium extending the Wildcats losing streak to three games. Villanova's record drops to 1-3 while Harvard improves to 2-2.

Harvard grabbed an early lead after sophomore Ashley Birch beat Villanova goalie, Julie Pinnix (14 saves) just 0:45 into the contest. Harvard's Ali Harper extended their lead to two goals by scoring her first of two goals on the afternoon.

The Wildcats responded by scoring three consecutive goals, giving Villanova a 3-2 lead with 15:10 remaining in the half. Junior Katie Monahan, from West Chester, Pa., and senior co- captain Chrissy Burke, from Riva, Md., scored the Wildcats first two goals knotting the score at 2-2 with 15:56 remaining in the half. Just 0:46 after Burke scored the tying goal, the Wildcats' Maria McCusker, a senior from Sufern, N.Y., put the Wildcats ahead 3-2, as she beat Harvard goalkeeper Katie Schutt (15 saves).

Harvard refused to surrender and fought back and regained the lead as Erin Aeshliman scored tying the game at 3-3 with 7:36 remaining in the half. Lea Sullivan gave Harvard a one goal lead, 4-3, as she scored with only 0:16 seconds remaining in the half, giving Harvard a 5-3 lead at intermission.

Harvard came out strong in the second half and scored two more goals extending their lead to 6-3 when Harper scored what would be the game-winning goal 3:37 into the half. Honor McNaughton extended the Crimson's lead to three goals with 24:04 remaining in the game.

Villanova attempted a come back as junior Sarah Gilhorn cut the Crimson's lead to 6-4 with 14:24 remaining, but Harvard's McNaughton secured the victory with her second goal with only 1:10 remaining in the game.

The Wildcats are back in action Sunday afternoon at 1pm when Villanova hosts University of Maryland-Baltimore County at Villanova Stadium.