When it comes to women’s soccer, Villanova quite literally has nothing on Marquette. With their 2-0 win on Thursday night, the Golden Eagles improve to 8-0-0 all-time against the Wildcats, who have never scored against Marquette.
Liz Bartels opened the scoring in the 20th minute with her third goal of the season. She took a pass from Molly Pfeiffer and made a quick cut inside the 18-yard-box to lose her defender. From there the senior forward rifled the ball into the netting on the far side of the box.
In the first minute of the second half, a nice Marquette buildup led to a dangerous Caroline Fink cross. A Villanova defender tried to break up the cross, but instead knocked it into her own net.
Maddy Henry earned her fourth shutout of the season in the win. The freshman turned in a memorable performance, equaling a career-best eight saves for her fourth shutout in five games.
The Golden Eagles improve to 9-6-2 on the season, surpassing last season’s total of eight wins. Their 5-2-0 BIG EAST record is good for third in the conference after Providence’s Thursday night loss.
Marquette has given up three goals in their last six games, outscoring opponents 9-3 during that time.
The Golden Eagles have just two regular season games remaining. Both are home games.
Marquette’s RPI No. 29 ranking suggests they are in great position to make the NCAA tournament.
They host Butler (9-5-2, 2-3-1) Sunday afternoon.
