FH falls, 2-1, to Villanova

VILLANOVA SCORES LATE, DOWNS BRYANT, 2-1

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Kelsey Hiltebeitel's (Warminster, Pa.) goal late in the first half tied the game but Jessica Swoboda second goal of the game with less than two minutes left pushed Villanova by the Bryant University field hockey team, 2-1, on Sunday afternoon at Villanova Stadium.

Outshot 18-11 in the game, the Bulldogs (2-9) found themselves on the wrong side of a close decision. The Wildcats (6-5) dominated the game with 17 penalty corners compared to Bryant's nine.

Still, the Bulldogs were in the game until the very end and that is because of Megan Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine). The junior keeper stopped seven shots in the contest and was able to weather four consecutive penalty corners to end the first half.

Villanova, however, was able to get on the board early, scoring at the 17:55 mark of the first half. Following a Bryant penalty corner, the Wildcats were able to push the play downfield and created a quick scoring chance. Lauren Wilson gained control of the ball and made a quick pass to the right post where Swoboda knocked it home for her first marker of the season.

Bryant would answer just over 10 minutes later. Finally finding their legs, the Black and Gold were able to apply continued offensive pressure. They earned three consecutive penalty corners, with the third leading to the equalizer. On the third penalty corner, Hiltebeitel was able to find the loose ball and fired it home from the top of the left circle.

The Bulldogs tried to take the lead right of the gates in the second half but were thwarted on two attempts. Villanova took over from there and eventually broke through late in the game. The Bulldogs put together three consecutive penalty corners but could not score and the Wildcats immediately went the other way and converted. This time, Kayla Kenney ripped a shot on cage that Swoboda tipped in for the game-winner.

With non-conference play mostly complete – one game with Holy Cross remains --, the Bulldogs will set their sights on a return trip to the postseason after missing out last season. They begin their quest on Sunday, Oct. 7 when they welcome Siena to the Bryant Track and Turf Complex. Game time is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.