WLAX Secures 16-9 Victory Over No. 24 Villanova
Golden Eagles secure first ranked win since 2023
MILWAUKEE – The Marquette University women’s lacrosse team (8-5, 2-2 BIG EAST) scored eight times in the second quarter and pulled away for a 16-9 victory over No. 24 Villanova (8-4, 2-1 BIG EAST) in BIG EAST women’s lacrosse action Saturday afternoon at Valley Fields Dome.
Hanna Bodner led the Golden Eagles with four goals and one assist, while Riley Jenkins added four goals, including a man-advantage tally. Dani Serrano finished with two goals and four assists, and Tess Osburn contributed two goals and one assist. Isabelle Casucci scored twice and added an assist, and Ella Mautz chipped in two goals as Marquette had eight different goal scorers. Goalie Jillian Howell earned the win with 11 saves.
Villanova struck first when Mary Moore scored unassisted at the 10:18 mark of the opening quarter, but Marquette answered quickly. Bodner tied the game just 44 seconds later and then gave the Golden Eagles the lead with another score at 6:26. After the Wildcats evened it at 2-2, Serrano put Marquette back in front late in the opening period for a 3-2 lead.
The Golden Eagles broke the game open in the second quarter, outscoring Villanova 8-2. Jenkins opened the frame with a man-up goal less than a minute in, and Marquette followed with goals from Mautz, Sarah Beth Burns and Serrano to stretch the advantage. Osburn scored twice in a 76-second span, and Bodner capped the surge with a free-position goal with three seconds remaining to give Marquette an 11-4 halftime lead.
Villanova showed some fight coming out of the break, with Moore and Jillian Vaught scoring early in the third quarter to cut into the margin. Marquette responded with goals from Bodner and Jenkins, with Jenkins scoring twice in the period to maintain control. The Golden Eagles led 14-7 heading into the fourth.
In the final quarter, the Wildcats traded goals with Marquette early before Casucci scored twice in the final six minutes to seal the win. Villanova added a late goal, but the outcome was no longer in doubt, as MU secured their first ranked win since 2023, 16-9.
UP NEXT
Marquette will be off next weke before hosting Butler for senior day on Saturday, April 18. First draw is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CT outdoors at Valley Fields, with ESPN+ featuring the broadcast.
NOTABLES
- Marquette’s eight-goal second quarter marked its highest-scoring quarter in conference play this season and tied for its most goals in any quarter against a BIG EAST opponent in 2026.
- Hanna Bodner’s four goals marked her fourth multi‑goal game in BIG EAST play this season and tied her season high, previously set vs. Cincinnati.
- Riley Jenkins matched her season high with four goals, her most in a conference game this year.
- Dani Serrano’s four assists tied her second-highest assist total of the season and were her most in a BIG EAST game in 2026.
- Tess Osburn recorded multiple goals and an assist, extending her streak of games with at least one point to 12 straight games this season.
- Isabelle Casucci scored twice in the fourth quarter, marking her second multi‑goal BIG EAST performance of the season and her first since Georgetown.
- Ella Mautz posted two goals, giving her seven multi‑goal games this season.
- Marquette held Villanova to 9 goals, tied for the second-fewest goals the Wildcats have scored this season.
- Villanova was held below its season average in draw controls, despite entering the game leading the BIG EAST in the category, as Marquette limited extended possession runs.
- Jillian Howell finished with 11 saves, matching her season high.
FOLLOW THE GOLDEN EAGLES
SOCIAL: X | Facebook | Instagram
JOIN THE CONVERSATION: #WeAreMarquette
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Marquette Athletics
MLAX Survives Double-OT Battle at St. Johns, 11-10
Apr 4th, 2026 by Marquette AthleticsGolden Eagles move to 2-0 in BIG EAST for first time since 2022
WLAX Begins Final Homestand Saturday Hosting Villanova
Apr 2nd, 2026 by Marquette AthleticsGolden Eagles look to regain control of BIG EAST Tournament hopes.
