April 28, 2007
Box Score
Fairfield, Conn. - Villanova (7-7, 2-4 CAA) jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in the opening five minutes of play, but were edged 15-14 by conference opponent Sacred Heart (4-8, 2-4 CAA) in the final regular season game for both teams. Despite being handed the loss, senior Eric Heidenberger and junior Chris MacDonald registered hat tricks for the afternoon.
The Wildcats commanded the game in the beginning with goals from MacDonald, Matthew Fritts, and two from Heidenberger. However, the Pioneers chipped away at the four-goal deficit on two separate three-goal runs to compile six points. Sacred Heart's Joe Cavagnaro was also able to sneak a lone goal past Wildcat goalie Andrew DiLoreto to give the Pioneers a 7-6 lead at the end of the first period.
After even play for most of the second period, MacDonald and seniors Chris Colliniates and Mike Haas combined to notch three unanswered goals to regain the lead for Villanova. However, the lead did not hold for long. Sacred Heart retaliated with back-to-back goals to tie the score at 9-9 just over two minutes into the third period.
Once again, the Wildcat offense ignited for two more goals to increase the margin and attempt to pull away from the Pioneers. Sacred Heart was able to fight back and cut the deficit to one goal heading into the start of the fourth. But, this would prove to be the last time Villanova held the lead.
Sacred Heart's offense erupted for a three-goal run to tie the game and then secure the lead for the Pioneers with just about nine minutes left in regulation. Villanova continued to challenge Sacred Heart for the remainder of the game by firing off 11 shots, but were only able to collect two more goals, which was not enough to overcome the shortfall.
Although Villanova fell short on the scoreboard, the Wildcats held the advantage in shots 47-34, while face-off specialist Chris Colliniates won 18 of 31 face-offs and collected a game-high of 11 ground balls.
Complete box score to follow.
