DURHAM, N.C. – Duke attackman Joe Robertson and midfielder Brad Smith totaled five points apiece as the fourth-seeded Blue Devils defeated visiting Villanova, 17-11, in NCAA Tournament first round action on Saturday afternoon at Koskinen Stadium.
The Blue Devils improve to 14-3 on the year and advance to next weekend’s quarterfinal round to meet the winner of tomorrow’s Johns Hopkins-Georgetown contest on Sunday in Annapolis, Md.
Villanova concludes the season at 10-6.
Robertson logged four goals and one assist while Smith contributed one tally and four helpers. Nakeie Montgomery added a career-high three goals while Brian Smyth dominated at the faceoff X by securing a career-best 23-of-28 draws and recording 16 ground balls, one goal and one assist.