Box Score

ITHACA, N.Y. – For the second game in a row, the Big Red fell behind early and then nearly came all the way back, but couldn't find the equalizer, falling to Villanova this afternoon at Marsha Dodson Field, 2-1. Cornell (10-5) carried the play through most of the contest, but the Wildcats made the most of their chances, scoring two goals late in the second half for the victory.

The Big Red held the advantage in shots (18-10), shots on goal (10-5) and penalty corners (12-6), but Villanova goalie Megan Goelz kept the visitors in the game with eight saves, while Jordan Lynn posted a defensive save.

Catie De Stio and Kate Thompson teamed up for the Big Red's lone goal with De Stio scoring in the 67th minute of action and goalie Alex Botte made three saves.

Even though Cornell turned up the pressure in the second half, putting nine shots on goal in the final 30 minutes, it was Villanova (7-10) that scored twice, getting goals from Meredith Sabatini and Lauren Wuzzardo in the 49th and 64th minute, respectively. Meghan Ryan registered the assist on both tallies.

With time winding down, the Big Red finally managed to break through on a penalty corner. Hannah Balleza inserted the ball to Thopmson, who pulled off to her right before pushing the ball back through to the center of the circle, where De Stio received it and blasted a shot to the far post.

Cornell will close out the season next weekend as it says goodbye to its six seniors – Catie De Stio, Mattie Prodanovic, Sara Sanders, Steph Sanders, Liz Scovee and Kate Thompson – when it plays host to Dartmouth at Marsha Dodson Field on Saturday, Nov. 6 at noon.