EASTON, Pa. - Villanova outlasted Lafayette, 8-7, on Wednesday afternoon in Fisher Stadium, scoring with two minutes left to clinch the game. 

Olivia Kelley and Olivia Hover gave the Leopards an early 2-0 lead in the first quarter, securing both free-position shots.

Clare Culligan netted her sixth goal of the season at 13:32 in the second period. Villanova's Mary Moore matched her before halftime, as Lafayette held a 3-1 advantage going into the break.

The Leopards tallied two more free-position goals to open the third quarter. The Wildcats proceeded to make a 3-0 run, trailing 5-4. Haleigh Albrecht gave the hosts some breathing room at 0:52, leading 6-4 going into the final 15 minutes of play.

Villanova doubled its score in the fourth period, including three straight to conclude the contest, 8-7. Culligan is credited with the Leopards' final tally at 7:41 while Kayla Gulmi, assisted by Sami Carey, netted the eventual game-winner at 1:59.

Villanova held the advantage in ground balls (31-28) and shots (28-25). The Leopards led in draw controls (11-8) and clears (24-25 to 20-22).

Lafayette's senior goalkeeper, Lexie Coldiron, made 13 saves in the loss while VIllanova goalie Cate Gallagher made 11.

Next up, the Maroon and White open Patriot League play against Holy Cross on Saturday at 11 a.m. For Saturday's Community Day, local youth lacrosse teams will compete on Fisher Field at halftime.


For the latest on the Lafayette College women's lacrosse program, follow the Leopards on Instagram @lafayette_wlax and Twitter @LafayetteWLAX.