VILLANOVA, PA ‘ Eric Heidenberger made his first career goal one to remember, scoring the game-winner as Villanova defeated Colgate, 5-4, in the season opener for both teams Saturday afternoon at Villanova Stadium.
The Wildcats scored first as Richie Kratz found David Cacciabeve on the right wing for a 1-0 lead at 12:39 of the first quarter. Villanova then tallied two quick goals in the last 10 seconds of the period to open up a 3-0 advantage. Matt Starker and Matt Lucas each notched unassisted tallies.
Colgate responded in the second stanza with two goals to trim the gap to 3-2. Robert Trasolini registered both Raider goals, with Jeff Vander Muelen and Rob Ryan picking up assists.
Starker notched his second of the game with 22 seconds left in the half to send Villanova to the locker room with a 4-2 lead.
Third quarter goals by Colgate’s Eddie Brennan and Vander Muelen tied the score at 4-4 after three quarters. Colgate goalie Andrew Jarolimek also made four key saves on Wildcat attempts to keep the Raiders even.
Heidenberger gave Villanova back the lead, 5-4, after scoring on a rebound in front of the net 54 seconds into the fourth quarter.
Villanova goalie Joseph Canuso finished with five saves to pick up the win, while Jarolimek stopped 15 shots.
Colgate was limited to just 13 shots on the day, and failed to score on four extra-man attempts.
The Raiders open their home season on Tuesday night against Canisius College. Face-off is 7:00 p.m. at Tyler’s Field.