Villanova women's lacrosse achieved a historic victory by defeating No. 2 Stanford 9-8, marking the first top-five win in program history. The game was a thrilling back-and-forth affair, with Villanova overcoming an early deficit and managing to secure the win with strong performances, notably from Emma Verhoest, who set a program record for career draws. The Wildcats controlled the game late, ultimately holding off a Stanford rally to clinch the upset.

By the Numbers
  • This victory is Villanova's first over a top-five ranked team.
  • Emma Verhoest recorded her 384th career draw, breaking the program's all-time record.
Yes, But

Despite the exciting win, Villanova's performance was marked by inconsistencies, particularly in earlier lapses in defense that allowed Stanford to take the lead before coming back to secure the victory.

State of Play
  • Villanova now holds a 7-3 season record following the upset.
  • The Wildcats will face UConn and Marquette in upcoming BIG EAST matchups.
What's Next

Villanova aims to build on this momentum as they prepare for two crucial conference games, which could impact their standings in the BIG EAST.

Bottom Line

This victory not only cements a milestone in Villanova's lacrosse history but also sets the stage for a competitive finish to the season, highlighting the team's potential as they enter conference play.