Villanova Olympic sports recap: Men' Soccer shuts out Albany

While some of Villanova's fall sports struggled, others have begun to find themselves a rhythm.

Men's Soccer (2-3)

Although their record may not seem glamorous, the Wildcats streaked to their second win in a row in a 1-0 home victory over Albany.

Senior Oscar Umar scored in the 84th minute after elite defensive plays throughout the game from sophomore goalkeeper Will Steiner.  With this win, Villanova improved to 2-0 in their new Higgins Soccer Complex after defeating Saint Peter's last Thursday.

The success for the Men's Soccer team did not end here, however, as senior forward Aaron Dennis received the Philadelphia Soccer Six Player of the Week award.  Dennis also received a Big East Honor Roll mention along with Steiner.

Villanova hopes to improve its record to .500 at home against Monmouth next Saturday at 1:00 EST.

Women's Volleyball (5-7)

The Lady 'Cats did not enjoy the same success as Men's Soccer, losing all of their games as hosts for the Villanova Classic tournament last weekend.

In the span of two days, Villanova lost 0-3 against Kansas, Penn State, American, and Yale.  Star hitter Lauren Carpenter was sidelined for the second day of the tournament, which certainly did not help the Wildcat cause.  On the bright side, junior Brittany Rembert was named to the All-Tournament Team.

The Wildcats, however, found refuge on the road in a 3-1 win over Delaware.  In an incredibly tight contest, each of the three sets 'Nova won were decided by four of fewer points.

'Nova will be back in action today at 7 EST in their first game of the Big 5 Challenge against Penn.

Women's Soccer (2-4-1)

Although they may not have enjoyed as much success as the men's team, Women's Soccer managed to split contests this week. In the most complete win of the season, the Wildcats defeated James Madison in a 3-0 shutout.  All three goals were scored in the final 27 minutes of the game after a scoreless first half for both teams.

The Lady 'Cats faltered in their visit to Princeton, losing 2-1.  The game was tied at 1-1 through most of the contest following a goal from senior Victoria Gersh, but the Tigers took a lead after a header in the 88th minute.  The game was nationally televised on ESPNU.

Although they lost to Princeton, the team scored a win off the field when forward Amanda Vocelka was named the Big East Rookie of the Week.

The women's soccer team will be back in action tonight against Townson at 4 EST at home.

Field Hockey (2-4)

The Wildcats only played one game this week, a 5-2 loss to Columbia.  An early 2-0 Lions lead proved to be insurmountable for the Lady 'Cats despite a pair of goals in the second half from Francesca Bello and Kayla Kenny.

Following a four game road trip, the Field Hockey team will finally enjoy a pair of games at home beginning with a game today against Delaware at 7 EST.