Tavana Scores Eighth Goal, Pirates Tripped Up At Villanova, 2-1 - Seton Hall University Athletics
Junior Natalie Tavana (Middletown, Conn.) scored late in the second half for her eighth goal of the season but the Seton Hall women's soccer couldn't fin...
Villanova, Pa. — Junior Natalie Tavana (Middletown, Conn.) scored late in the second half for her eighth goal of the season but the Seton Hall women's soccer couldn't find the equalizer as the Pirates fell on the road, 2-1, at Villanova on Sunday afternoon.
Tavana is now tied for sixth all-time with 13 career goals and tied for eighth with 33 career points. Her eight goals this season are also tied for the sixth most in a single season in program history.
How It Happened
The Pirates went into the locker room trailing 2-0 after a first 45 minutes that saw them get outshot by Villanova, 7-5, and out-done on corner kicks, 3-0. The offensive buildup improved in the second half and the defense held firm as they blanked the Wildcats in the final 45 minutes.
Seton Hall was rewarded with a chance in the 77th minute when senior Maillie McDermott (Nashua, N.H.) found Tavana who finished her eighth goal of the season that trimmed Villanova's lead to 2-1. Senior Skyler Matusz (Kearny, N.J.) and McDermott both had strong chances at the goal with less than seven minutes to play but couldn't finish. Overall, The Hall put up four shots in the final 10 minutes and stayed on the attack but couldn't equalize.
Inside the Box Score
- Tavana's eight goals are the most for a Pirate since 1999 when Kelly Smith scored a program record 27 goals
- Tavana is one of just nine players in program history to tally at least 33 points in a career.
- Junior Anna Prawer (London, England) played in goal for the final 45 minutes and hasn't allowed a goal in her last 90 minutes of action between the pipes this season.
- Prawer finished with a season-high two saves.
- McDermott now has one assist this season and two in her career.
- Villanova edged the Pirates in shots for the game, 15-13, and both sides had eight shots in the second half.
The Pirates return to the friendly confines of Owen T. Carroll Field on Thursday as they host St. John's at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the BIG EAST Digital via FloSports.
Soccer Scarf Giveaway / Mary Jennings Memorial Game / Blue Beard Army Game
- Help the Pirates kickoff BIG EAST play when they host the Red Storm! The first 250 fans in attendance will receive a FREE Seton Hall soccer scarf!
- The annual Mary Jennings Memorial Game honors the life and legacy of Mary Jennings, a women's soccer student-athlete who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 21. Donations will be accepted for an endowed scholarship in Mary's name to ensure that future students at Seton Hall will be able to pursue their dreams with the same passion Mary possessed.
- There will also be free water, soda and food, brought to fans by Seton Hall Housing and Residence Life and the Student Alumni Association.
- There will also be raffle baskets displayed along the entrance to Owen T. Carroll Field, and all fans in attendance will receive a complimentary raffle ticket to enter to win a prize!
- This is a designated Blue Beard Army game! Help take our home field advantage at Owen T. Carroll Field to the next level by picking up a clapping noise maker at the marketing table. Using your clapper all game long to rattle the Red Storm!
