INDIANAPOLIS – Butler scored three goals in the first half to defeat Villanova in the 2015 BIG EAST home opener. Maria Collica, Halle Stelbasky and Serina Kashimoto all scored to lift BU to victory.

The first score of the day came off the foot of Collica who put the 'Dawgs on the scoreboard in the 17th minute of action. A Villanova miscue by the goalkeeper gave Butler a free kick deep in Wildcat territory. Sophia Maccagnone would take the free kick and send the ball into a wall of defenders. Collica collected the ball off the rebound and beat the keeper to give Butler the quick 1-0 advantage.

Roughly 10 minutes later the Bulldogs would push the lead to 2-0 after a double assist score from Halle Stelbasky. The freshman scored her team-high eighth goal of the season from the far side of the field, beating the keeper to the near post. McKenzie Muchow got the ball to Randi DeLong on the score with each player picking up an assist.

The third goal of the opening half came in similar fashion as Breann Pempek and Gabrielle Lemkuil hooked up to find Serina Kashimoto on the right side of the field. Kashimoto collected the pass and beat the keeper to the far post giving Butler the cushion they needed to record the win.

Sunday afternoon's outcome marked the first-ever win for Butler over Villanova in women's soccer. The 'Dawgs entered the contest 0-4 all-time vs. Villanova with all four Wildcat wins coming as a shutout.

Butler's shutout today marks the sixth of the season and the fifth for goalkeeper Madison Card. Card made four saves in the win, outperforming each Nova keeper as the Wildcats split time between Emma Meyer and Emily Harris.

The Bulldogs took 12 total shots compared to eight from the visitors. Eight of Butler's shots were on goal compared to just four for Nova.

Butler will return to action with a home match vs. St. John's on Thursday, Oct. 1. The match will be broadcasted live on ButlerSports.com at 7 p.m.