Box Score

ANNNAPOLIS, Md. - Timely defense down the stretch helped the Navy women's lacrosse team defeat Villanova, 13-7, Wednesday evening at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Nine different Mids recorded at least one caused turnover.

Senior goalkeeper Annie Foky (Charlottesville, Va.) anchored Navy's defense, recording four ground balls, one caused turnover and five saves, two of which were crucial free-position saves. Juniors Molly Doyle (Ivyland, Pa.) and Lizzy Rullan (East Setauket, N.Y.) and freshman Jenna Collins (Clarksville, Md.) each recorded two caused turnovers and combined for nine ground balls.

"We have to credit our defense for having dug deep when Villanova began to put more pressure in the second half," Navy head coach Cindy Timchal said. "Despite our offense giving away a few possessions, our defense came up big with turnovers, either in our defensive third or on a clear attempt."

Down 9-2 to begin the second half, Villanova (0-2) came out strong, scoring four of the first five goals to cut the deficit to four, 10-6, with 20:42 left in the contest. Senior captain Jackie Froccaro led the charge for the Wildcats, scoring twice during the stretch. The Wildcats run was sparked by winning four of the five draw controls.

Senior Loren Generi (Bayport, N.Y.) picked up Navy's offense with an unassisted goal that began a 2-0 run for the Mids to bring the lead back up to six, 12-6.

Villanova looked to gain momentum as Meghan Breen tallied her third goal of the contest to cut the deficit to five, 12-7, with 12:00. The Wildcats' Kelsey Denihan then was given a free-position opportunity with 5:24 remaining. Denihan looked to beat Foky low but the Navy goalkeeper dropped to her knees to make her fifth and final crucial save.

"This is always a tough match to play because of how physical Villanova is and the toughness they bring to the table," said Timchal. "We knew they were going to play us tough and I am proud of our players for responding back with the same toughness."

Senior Casey Browne (Miller Place, N.Y.) set an early tempo for Navy's offense, tallying two points in the first 2:37. Browne opened the game with an unassisted goal from 10 yards out then assisted freshman Julia Collins (Clarksville, Md.) 52 seconds later. Julia Collins twin sister Jenna capped the scoring run, beating two defenders up the middle to put Navy up 3-0 with 24:46 remaining in the half.

Villanova came back with two of the next three goals to cut the deficit to two, 4-2, with 14:46 left in the first half. Meghan Breen and Kaitlyn Rau each tallied a goal, both with low liners to beat Foky.

Navy then rattled off the final five goals in the half to build a seven goal lead, 9-2. Generi capped the run with the final two goals, both of which were assisted by sophomore Kaitlan Moynihan (Bel Air, Md.).

Navy led Villanova in shots, 25-17, ground balls, 23-14, draw controls, 12-10 and saves, 5-4. Generi tallied a game-high five points on three goals and two assists along with seven draw controls. Junior Katie Gallagher (Bel Air, Md.) extended her consecutive games with a point to 22 with four points on two goals and two assists.

Foky finished the game with five saves on 12 chances to improve to 4-1 in net. Villanova goalkeeper Jaclyn Fraum was dealt with the loss, allowing the first three goals in net before being relieved. Julia Michaels finished the final 54:46 in net for the Wildcats, tallying four saves on 14 chances.

Navy will wrap up its two-game homestand against William and Mary on Saturday at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Opening draw is set for 12 p.m. and can be seen live and for free on PatriotLeague.TV.