PHILADELPHIA – The Quakers captured their first win of the season in shutout fashion as the University of Pennsylvania field hockey team (1-3) tallied a 2-0 victory over Villanova (1-5) on Sunday afternoon at Ellen Vagelos Field. The contest marked the sixth-straight win for the Red and Blue over the Wildcats dating back to 2012.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
*Penn showed their dominance from the opening whistle and held a firm possession advantage from the start. Despite Villanova owning the first three penalty corners of the afternoon, it was the Quakers who showed the most threats on the offensive end. Alexa Hoover notched her third goal of the season in the 18^th minute off a deflected a shot from sophomore Alexa Schneck to take the 1-0 lead.
 
*Two more takes at goal from Hoover and Schneck were blocked as the Red and Blue carried the slight 1-0 lead into halftime. Penn held a 7-5 advantage in shots after the first stanza while Villanova notched a slight 3-2 lead in corner opportunities.
 
*It was the hosts came out of intermission with momentum as Penn looked to increase their lead over the Wildcats. Hoover connected for her second goal of the game in the 57^th minute with an interception off the VU defense as Penn pulled ahead 2-0.  
 
*The Quakers would hold on for the 2-0 lead to claim their first win over the season and improve to 1-3 overall with the effort. On the defensive end, senior goalkeeper Liz Mata made four stops in the victory while Villanova's Erika Miller registered three in the loss. Penn held a 13-8 advantage in shots for the afternoon in addition to an 8-4 lead in corners.
 
UP NEXT
Penn has their first road game of the season on Friday, September 15^th when they make the short trip to nearby Drexel for the Battle of 33^rd Street. Game time is slated for 7 p.m. and will celebrate Philadelphia Field Hockey Night.