SImms looks to have a stellar sophomore year. Brian Izzo | The Informer

After receiving the America East Rookie of the Year award last year, Javoni Simms looked to continue to dominate on the pitch in his sophomore campaign.

He would do just that as he headed a ball into the net from teammate Omar Tall in the 33 minute against Villanova.

Unfortunately, the Wildcats put in one of their own just 12 minutes later by Willis Griffith.

However, the Hawks were able to hold on for the tie and improved their record to 1-0-1.

Both teams came out hot on the offensive end with a combined 21 shots.

Hartford goalkeeper, Viltsu Tuumi, got the start in net, gaining three saves and letting in the lone Villanova goal.

Hartford’s goal came at the 32:10 mark, with touch passes from Juniors Rohan Roye and Omar Tall, who then placed the ball into the box where Simms was waiting for the ball and headed it into the net for the goal.

Tall, who was just brought into the game by third year coach, Tom Poitras, gained his second assist in two games after assisting the game-winning goal to David Bernhardsson last week against Holy Cross.

Hartford was looking like they were about to go into intermission with a 1-0 lead, but with 53 seconds left in the half, Adetomiwa Adewole of Villanova tracked down a rebound and found Griffith who then blazed in a shot past Tuumi to match the Hawks score as the teams went into the half.

The second half was a defensive showing with both teams combining for only 13 shots with freshman goalkeeper, David MacKinnon, making is debut in the half.

MacKinnon tallied up five saves, while allowing no goals in the rest of the period.

Hartford stayed strong for the two overtime periods, only allowing three shots with MacKinnon stopping all of them.

During overtime the Hawks out shot Villanova 7-4, which included a 4-0 edge during the first extra period.

Anthony Santaga led Hartford in shots with seven and two of the shots were headed for goal but were unfortunately stopped by the Wildcats keeper.

Simms and Bernhardsson were right behind him with six and four shots, respectively.

Santaga had the chance to end the game in the 92 and 99 minute of overtime, but Wildcat goalie, Andrew Weakly, stopped him which were just two of six saves in overtime.

The Hawks look to continue their unbeaten ways at home this Friday night when the Siena Saints come to play at 7 p.m.