GENERAL INFORMATION. Villanova Women s Soccer 2006 Media Guide Page 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT VILLANOVA

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1 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT VILLANOVA Location...Villanova, Pa Enrollment...6,200 Founded President...Rev. Peter Donohue, O.S.A. Nickname...Wildcats Colors...Blue and White Affiliation...NCAA Division I Conference...BIG EAST/National Division VILLANOVA ADMINISTRATION Athletics Director...Vince Nicastro Senior Associate AD...Bob Steitz Associate AD and Senior Women s Administrator...Lynn Tighe Associate AD...Rev. Rob Hagan, O.S.A. Associate AD for Student Services...Mary Ann Dowling Assistant AD for Business Operations...Brian Murray Assistant AD for Communications...Dean Kenefick Assistant AD for Compliance...Gordon Finch Assistant AD for Facilities and Operations...Mick Keelan Director of Administrative Services...Michael Maerten Director of Facilities and Operations...Bob Weiseman Director of Marketing and Special Events...Brian Papson Director of Sports Medicine...Lenny Currier Events & Facilities Coordinator...Jim Belzer Coordinator of Promotions...Laura Anderson Manager of Athletics Concessions...Dom Versaggi Compliance Coordinator...Molly Myers Athletics Business Assistant...Rosemary Mazzotta Travel Coordinator...Jennifer Burns Ticket Manager...Gerry LaJoie Head Athletic Trainer...Jeff Pierce Assistant Trainer...Dan Jarvis Assistant Trainer...Valerie Tinklepaugh Equipment Manager...Peter Neal Assistant Equipment Manager...Tom Dunphy Coordinator of Intramurals and Recreation...Lisa Melillo Academic Support/Faculty Representative...Dan Regan Associate Director of Academic Support...Amy Miller Assistant Director of Academic Support...Tara Nelson VILLANOVA MEDIA RELATIONS Assistant Athletics Director/Communications...Dean Kenefick Director of Media Relations...Mike Sheridan Assistant Director of Media Relations...David Berman Coordinator of Media Relations...Megan Bradshaw Office Phone Office Fax Mailing Address...Jake Nevin Fieldhouse Lancaster Avenue...Villanova, PA Website... Scoring Hotline NOVA (6682) Women s Soccer Contact...David Berman ...david.berman@villanova.edu Office Phone Home Phone Cell Phone On the front cover: Seniors Megan Farmer, Lindsey Finnegan, Valerie Grow, Jillian Loyden, and Athena Yiantsos are the last group of players remaining from Villanova s Big East Championship run in On the back cover: Seniors Megan Farmer and Valerie Grow, and junior Nikki Mabery, will be key playmakers for the Wildcats in TABLE OF CONTENTS All-American Candidate Jillian Loyden IFC General Information Head Coach Ann Clifton Assistant Coaches and Support Staff Roster and Team Information Season Outlook Meet the Wildcats Opponent Information Women s Soccer: The Villanova Experience Women s Soccer in the Community Year in Review Year-by-Year Results Villanova Record Book Individual Career and Single-Season Leaders Postseason and Tournament History All-Time Series Records/Coaching History Honors and Awards Athletics Facilities Villanova s Tradition of Excellence Big East Conference Glimpse of Villanova IBC WOMEN S SOCCER QUICK FACTS Coaching Staff Head Coach Ann Clifton Alma Mater East Stroudsburg 86 Record at Villanova ,.636 (9 Years) Assistant Coaches.....B.J. Callaghan (Ursinus 03), John King (East Stroudsburg 05) Women s Soccer Office /4667 Head Coach ann.clifton@villanova.edu Home Games Home Field Villanova Soccer Stadium Capacity ,500 Surface Grass Press Box Phone Team Information 2005 Record Big East Record/Finish /2nd (Division B) Postseason Big East Tournament Quarterfinals Letterwinners Returning/Lost /8 Starters Returning/Lost /3 Newcomers Team History First Year of Varsity Competition Overall Record ,.586 (23 Years) Seasons with Winning Record Seasons with 10+ Wins NCAA Tournament Berths ( ) Highest Postseason Finish Sweet 16 (2003) Highest National Ranking No. 14 (2002) Higest End-of-Season National Ranking No. 15 (2003) CREDITS The 2006 Women s Soccer Media Guide is a publication of the Villanova Athletic Media Relations office. The guide was written, edited and designed by David Berman. Cover design and printing by Provations Group, Nicholasville, Ky. Front cover photo by Jerry Millevoi. Back cover photos by Enrique Mendoza. Interior photography by Enrique Mendoza, Jerry Millevoi and others. For copies of this media guide, contact the Villanova Athletic Media Relations office by phone at or by mailing a written request to: Villanova Athletic Media Relations; 800 E. Lancaster Avenue; Jake Nevin Field House; Villanova, Pa Page 1

2 HEAD COACH ANN CLIFTON Ann Clifton begins her 10th season at Villanova in The women's soccer program at Villanova has had a storied history with 15 winning seasons in its 23 years as a varsity sport, but the most recent run of success has been the most prominent. The team has currently had at least a.500 record in nine straight seasons, a run that began with Clifton's arrival in Since then, the Wildcats have reached double figures in victories seven times, advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the only four times in school history and won the program's lone Big East championship. Aside from the merits of the team, Clifton has generated an impressive list of individual accomplishments. One of just four coaches in the team's varsity history, she became the all-time winningest coach in program history in just her seventh season, getting win No. 74 on September 11, 2003 in a 3-2 win over Syracuse. On September 4, 2005, Clifton reached another milestone with her 100th career victory. Entering the 2006 season, Clifton has a career record of (.636) in her nine seasons as a head coach at Villanova, including a (.569) mark in regular season Big East games and a record in the NCAA Tournament. The success of Clifton's Wildcat teams have continued and built upon the University's "Tradition of Excellence." Villanova reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 2001 and proved they belonged there with a 2-0 win over Penn in the first round. The Wildcats went back to the tournament in 2002 with a program-best record of , setting the stage for a magical 2003 season. Villanova caught fire late in the regular season, a surge that enabled it to reach the Big East Tournament. Once there, the Wildcats ran off three straight wins over ranked teams to capture its first conference title. High-profile opponents didn't fare much better against Villanova in the NCAA Tournament that year, as Princeton, Virginia and BYU combined to score just one goal in three games against the Wildcats. On its home field in front of a record crowd, the Wildcats played BYU to a 0-0 tie before the Cougars advanced on penalty kicks. Villanova finished with a record for the season, breaking the program mark for victories in a season for the second time in Clifton's tenure. By the time Villanova returned to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth straight season in 2004, its place among the national women's soccer powers was secure. The string of success continued in 2005 when the Wildcats won at least 10 games for the seventh season in a row. Head coach Ann Clifton surpassed 100 wins during the 2005 season, becoming the first Villanova women s soccer coach to do so. The first step towards the program's rise to national prominence came in 1999, when Villanova set what was then a school record with 14 wins. The Wildcats posted a record that season and were selected to play in the ECAC Tournament. Led by a stifling defense, Villanova posted two straight shutout victories over Cornell and St. John's to capture the tournament title. Individual honors for Villanova players have included the program's only twotime All-American (Michelle Biehl in 2002 and 2003), two Big East Goalkeeper of the Year awards (Janel Schillig in 1999 and Jillian Loyden in 2005), 14 NSCAA All-Region selections and 21 All-Big East honorees. Off the field, one of the things that is most important to Clifton is developing strong leaders both in the classroom and in the community. Villanova was a recipient of the NSCAA Team Academic Award for eight consecutive seasons between , and women's soccer players have been Big East Academic All-Stars a total of 105 times in her tenure. CLIFTON S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS At Villanova (1997-present) All-time winningest coach in program history ( ,.636) Owns a regular season record of (.569) in Big East games Villanova reached the NCAA Tournament four straight years from : Wildcats captured lone Big East title and reached NCAA Sweet 16 Wildcats set school record for wins in 1999 (14) and again in 2003 (15) Villanova achieved a national ranking each year from Wildcats captured the 1999 ECAC Division I Championship 14 NSCAA All-Region Players, 21 All-Big East selections Six straight NSCAA Team Academic Awards ( ) 105 Big East Academic All-Stars Ranks 37th in career winning percentage among active Division I coaches At Randolph High School ( ) Five state championships 32 All-State players 10 Regional All-Americans 3 NSCAA All-Americans NSCAA Coach of the Year NJGSCA Coach of the Year and 1993 The Wildcats have also been involved in a wide variety of community service projects. This past year Villanova joined other teams in the area to host a soccer clinic that raised money for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Oncology Unit. The Wildcats also are active in the "Soccer on the Streets" program which provides soccer equipment and clinics for underprivileged youth players. Through athletic department initiatives, Villanova has participated in the annual Adopt-A-Family program to provide gifts for families in need during the December holiday season, as well as the University's Pen Pal program with fifth and sixth graders. Clifton arrived at Villanova from Randolph High School in Randolph, N.J., where she was the head girl's soccer coach from During her tenure at Randolph, she compiled an impressive record, leading her team to five state championships in eight seasons. In addition to Randolph's team accomplishments, Clifton also guided 32 players to NJGSCAAll- State honors, 10 players to NSCAA Regional All-America distinction, and three players to NSCAA All-America accolades. During the fall of 1995, Clifton coached Randolph to the No. 1 ranking for secondary school teams in the United States. She has also garnered numerous individual honors, including being named the NSCAA Coach of the Year in 1994, New Jersey Girl's Soccer Coaches Association Large School and State Coach of the Year in 1993 and New Jersey Girl's Soccer Coaches Association North II Coach of the Year in Clifton is involved with numerous soccer organizations, including the New Jersey Olympic Development State Soccer Teams. She was the head coach of the U-19 state team in 1992 and headed up the U-16 squad from Clifton served as the Director of Coaching for the New Jersey Olympic Development Program in In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Clifton has served on numerous committees in recent years. She was a member of the NCAA Women s Soccer National Committee from , and currently has been the President of the Big East Women s Soccer Coach s Association since Clifton has also served on the NSCAA women s committee and is on the editorial staff of the magazine "All-Stater." With the Philadelphia Charge calling Villanova Stadium home from , Clifton added to her extensive soccer resumé. She was a member of the Philadelphia Charge Advisory Board, and also did the color announcing at the WUSA Philadelphia Charge Soccer games for Comcast. Hailing from Randolph, N.J., Clifton received her bachelor's of science degree in health and physical education from East Stroudsburg University in 1986 and went on to receive her Master of Education with concentration in sports management from East Stroudsburg in Clifton was also honored by her alma mater as the East Stroudsburg Young Alumni Achievement Award recipient for the year On September 28, 2002, she was inducted into the East Stroudsburg Athletics Hall of Fame. She currently resides in Royersford, Pa. Page 2

3 ASSISTANT COACHES AND SUPPORT STAFF B.J. CALLAGHAN Assistant Coach First Season Ursinus 03 In his first season with the women s soccer program, B.J. Callaghan serves as Ann Clifton s top assistant and is involved with all areas of the program. On the field, he will work with the goalkeepers and defense. Most recently, Callaghan was an assistant coach at Saint Joseph's University for the past two seasons. He handled recruiting and travel for the Hawks while working with the team's defensive unit. Saint Joseph's totaled 17 victories during Callaghan's two years with the team, while posting a goals-against average of less than 1.50 each year. Prior to his stint with the Hawks, Callaghan served one year as an assistant coach to the Ursinus men's soccer team after graduating from the school as a four-year letterwinner. He served as team captain in 2002, when he played in 18 games and logged 952 minutes in goal. He collected 60 saves for the season while allowing just 18 goals, and finished the year with a 1.70 GAA for the Bears. In addition to his experience at the collegiate level, Callaghan has been a staff coach with the Eastern Pennsylvania State ODP team since January 2003 and a Region 1 staff goalkeeping coach since February Callaghan has worked with the U-15 and U-16 teams for the EPYSA organization. His responsibilities include identifying and selecting the top players in the state, designing and implementing training sessions, and developing each player for selection in regional camps and the national pool. Callaghan has worked with the age-16 and age-17 Region 1 squads. At the club level, Callaghan has coached the FC Delco Tarheels since January His team was a Region 1 league finalist in 2005 and advanced to the semifinals of the State Cup in That year, FC Delco was also a WAGS semifinalist and Super Y-League national finalist, in addition to capturing the championship of the Millennium bracket at the Orange Classic. Callaghan is the grandson of the University's long-time men's basketball coach, Jack Kraft. In leading the men's basketball program for 12 seasons from , Kraft amassed 238 victories and a.715 winning percentage. His teams won at least 20 games seven times and reached the national championship game in JOHN KING Assistant Coach First Season East Stroudsburg 05 Joining the women s soccer coaching staff for his first season is John King, who will serve as an assistant coach. King will work primarily with the team s forwards and midfielders during the season. A former standout collegiate player with a background in strength and speed development, King will also work with Villanova s strength and conditioning staff. King, who shares an alma mater with 10th-year head coach Ann Clifton, is a 2005 graduate of East Stroudsburg University with a degree in Exercise Science. He was a fouryear letterwinner for a Warriors program that went (.774) during his playing career and King was presented with the Outstanding Athlete Award as a senior in King totaled 14 goals, 17 assists and 45 points during his playing career and helped lead East Stroudsburg to three straight Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) championships from Twice during his career the Warriors finished in the top six of the national polls. King is certified by the NSCA as a strength and conditioning specialist and by the American Red Cross as a first responder. He is single and currently resides in Langhorne, Pa. WOMEN S SOCCER SUPPORT STAFF A 2003 graduate of Ursinus, Callaghan earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Administration. He is currently working on a Master's of Education at Saint Joseph's University. He was certified with a USSF B License in July 2005 and received NSCAA Goalkeeping Level I and II certification in March Callaghan is engaged to Leigh Maggi and resides in Conshohocken, Pa. David Berman Assistant Director of Media Relations Lyn Roebuck Women s Soccer Secretary Starting a New Era: Head coach Ann Clifton and assistant coach B.J. Callaghan are looking forward to a successful season in Scott Stansbury Athletic Trainer Lynn Tighe Associate AD and Senior Women s Administrator Page 3

4 2006 ROSTER AND TEAM INFORMATION NUMERICAL No. Name Elig. Pos. Ht. Hometown/High School/Previous School 0 Molly Williams Fr. GK 5-8 Hinsdale, Ill./St. Ignatius Prep 00 Leann Kania So. GK 5-7 Pittsburgh, Pa./North Allegheny 1 Jillian Loyden Jr. GK 5-10 Vineland, N.J./Vineland 2 Erin Hardiman So. M 5-7 Galloway, N.J./Absegami 3 Megan Farmer Sr. F 5-3 Middle Island, N.Y./Longwood 5 Kaley Guthrie Jr. M/F 5-7 Ogdensburg, N.J./Pope John XXIII 6 Jessica Carnevale Fr. M 5-4 Princeton, N.J./West Windsor-Plainsboro 7 Erin Byrnes Fr. M/F 5-8 Sayville, N.Y./Saint Anthony s 8 Grace Hawkins Fr. F 5-7 Northport, N.Y./Northport 9 Athena Yiantsos Sr. F 5-7 Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional 10 Nicole Coia So. F 5-5 Simpsonville, S.C./St. Joseph s 11 Lindsey Finnegan Sr. F 5-4 Blackwood, N.J./Gloucester Catholic 12 Samantha Moskal Fr. F 5-8 Chantilly, Va./Chantilly 13 Ali Foley So. F 5-5 Short Hills, N.J./Millburn 14 Valerie Grow Sr. M 5-10 Cumberland, R.I./Cumberland 15 Stacia Hartung Jr. M/F 5-7 Rochester, N.Y./Greece Olympia 16 Laura Sylvester So. D 5-10 Broomall, Pa./Marple Newtown 19 Jenna Gordon Jr. D 5-3 White Plains, N.Y./White Plains 20 Nikki Mabery Jr. F 5-6 Phoenix, Ariz./Horizon 21 Melissa Murowski Jr. M 5-2 Warren, N.J./Watchung Hills Regional 22 Kristen Verbit So. M 5-6 Newtown, Pa./Council Rock North/Virginia Tech 23 Kayce Blandford Jr. D 5-7 Columbia, Md./Notre Dame Prep 24 Kelly Eagan Fr. D 5-6 St. James, N.Y./Smithtown 25 Heidi Boersma Fr. D/M 5-6 Englewood, Colo./Heritage Head Coach: Ann Clifton (East Stroudsburg 86) 10th Season ( ,.636) Assistant Coaches: B.J. Callaghan (Ursinus 03) - First Season, John King (East Stroudsburg 05) - First Season ROSTER BREAKDOWN BY STATE: Arizona (1) - Nikki Mabery; Colorado (1) - Heidi Boersma; Illinois (1) - Molly Williams; Maryland (1) - Kayce Blandford; New Jersey (8) - Jessica Carnevale, Lindsey Finnegan, Ali Foley, Kaley Guthrie, Erin Hardiman, Jillian Loyden, Melissa Murowski, Athena Yiantsos; New York (6) - Erin Byrnes, Kelly Eagan, Megan Farmer, Jenna Gordon, Stacia Hartung, Grace Hawkins; Pennsylvania (3) - Leann Kania, Laura Sylvester, Kristen Verbit; Rhode Island (1) - Valerie Grow; South Carolina (1) - Nicole Coia; Virginia (1) - Samantha Moskal BY CLASS: Freshmen (7) - Heidi Boersma, Erin Byrnes, Jessica Carnevale, Kelly Eagan, Grace Hawkins, Samantha Moskal, Molly Williams; Sophomores (6) - Nicole Coia, Ali Foley, Erin Hardiman, Leann Kania, Laura Sylvester, Kristen Verbit; Juniors (7) - Kayce Blandford, Jenna Gordon, Kaley Guthrie, Stacia Hartung, Jillian Loyden, Nikki Mabery, Melissa Murowski; Seniors (4) - Megan Farmer, Lindsey Finnegan, Valerie Grow, Athena Yiantsos Note: Players are listed by class acoording to their year of athletic eligibility, taking into account any redshirt seasons. Lindsey Finnegan and Jillian Loyden have each had a redshirt year during their careers and are one year advanced academically from their listed class on the roster. PRONUNCIATION GUIDE Kayce Blandford K.C. Heidi Boersma BORES-muh Jessica Carnevale car-nuh-VAL Nicole Coia COY-uh Kelly Eagan EE-gin Valerie Grow rhymes with ROW Stacia Hartung STAY-shuh, HAR-tung Leann Kania CANE-ya Nikki Mabery may-BERRY Samantha Moskal mos-KULL Athena Yiantsos YAN-tose ALPHABETICAL ROSTER Name No. Elig. Pos. Kayce Blandford 23 Jr. D Heidi Boersma 25 Fr. D/M Erin Byrnes 7 Fr. M/F Jessica Carnevale 6 Fr. M Nicole Coia 10 So. F Kelly Eagan 24 Fr. D Megan Farmer 3 Sr. F Lindsey Finnegan 11 Sr. F Ali Foley 13 So. F Jenna Gordon 19 Jr. D Valerie Grow 14 Sr. M Kaley Guthrie 5 Jr. M/F Erin Hardiman 2 So. M Stacia Hartung 15 Jr. M/F Grace Hawkins 8 Fr. F Leann Kania 00 So. GK Jillian Loyden 1 Jr. GK Nikki Mabery 20 Jr. F Samantha Moskal 12 Fr. F Melissa Murowski 21 Jr. M Laura Sylvester 16 So. D Kristen Verbit 22 So. M Molly Williams 0 Fr. GK Athena Yiantsos 9 Sr. F Attacking Forward Lindsey Finnegan Nikki Mabery Megan Farmer Samantha Moskal Ali Foley Athena Yiantsos Attacking Midfield Stacia Hartung Erin Byrnes Kaley Guthrie Kristen Verbit Left Side Jenna Gordon Laura Sylvester Heidi Boersma DEPTH CHART FORWARD MIDFIELD DEFENSE Central Defender Kelly Eagan Laura Sylvester Heidi Boersma Erin Hardiman GOALKEEPER Jillian Loyden Leann Kania Molly Williams Holding Forward Nikki Mabery Nicole Coia Grace Hawkins Defensive Midfield Erin Hardiman Melissa Murowski Valerie Grow Jessica Carnevale Right Side Kayce Blandford Heidi Boersma Melissa Murowski Page 4

5 2006 SEASON OUTLOOK A deep roster with balance at every position on the field will be critical for the Wildcats in 2006, as they look to once again achieve postseason success at the national level. There are many different ways of measuring success, but nine consecutive years with at least a.500 record is as good a barometer as any for the Villanova women's soccer program. In 2006, the Wildcats will get leadership on the field from their four seniors, who are the last group of players left from the 2003 team that won a Big East championship and reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Still, there was a sense at the end of last season that the departure of three graduating seniors - all defenders - marked a significant change in the makeup of the team. Finding balance is important in a team environment and the 2006 roster for 10th year head coach Ann Clifton offers that characteristic. Villanova is known for its dominating defensive play, but Clifton expects her squad to take on a much more offensively-oriented look this fall. "The only way a team can be successful is if its personnel can make adjustments to their style of play," Clifton said. "They say that defense wins championships and I am a big believer in that. Our defense is very dynamic and will feature some new faces, while the offense returns three starting forwards who played a major role on the front line last year. We have the potential to be a very exciting offensive team." The team's offensive power will potentially dictate Villanova's chance to return to postseason success. The defense has turned in 17 shutouts over the past two seasons, but the Wildcats have won just eight of 24 games (8-11-5) when the opposition scores at least one goal. "Our mindset as a team is that making the NCAA Tournament should be a regular order of business for us," Clifton said. "That didn't happen last year and the challenge is out there for us to return to that level." Although the eight newcomers to this year's team will be counted on for production on the field right away, Villanova does have 16 players returning from last season's team, including a seven-member junior class that represents both the present and the future of the team. "The returning upperclassmen are great leaders on and off the field, and that is going to show up in the way play and the results we have during the season," Clifton said. "Expect this team to look very organized on both ends of the field and to focus on doing whatever it takes to score a goal. This group of players has a relentless work ethic, which is such an important quality for a successful team to have." Having a goalkeeper as talented and accomplished as Jillian Loyden sets the tone for the entire team. Villanova has posted shutouts in 17 of Loyden's 40 career games. While increased scoring output will be important for the Wildcats this season, the team's defensive prowess cannot be overlooked. Not with Villanova bringing back the Big East Goalkeeper of the Year in junior Jillian Loyden (Vineland, N.J.). Loyden has started all 40 of her career games and owns marks of an.839 save percentage and 0.89 goals-against average. In 2005 she was only the second Wildcat goalkeeper to be named the best at her position in the Big East (Janel Schillig, 1999). "Jillian is a very gifted player, Clifton said. We could talk all day about what she does on the field but she is an even better person off the field. As a goalkeeper she is an extremely determined player. We have talked a lot about the lofty goals she has set for herself and her commitment to achieve those goals are a testament to her character. Jillian s future aspirations should be to be recognized as the best goalkeeper to ever have played at Villanova. Loyden has made a habit of stepping up in big-game situations, holding Big East regular season opponents to just 20 goals over the last two years. Her 11 victories in conference games are already the second-most ever for a Wildcat goalkeeper. She has been named a second team selection to the NSCAA All-Mid Junior Melissa Murowski is a vital player for the Wildcats as a defensive midfielder. Atlantic squad each of the past two seasons. Villanova's other goalkeepers are sophomore Leann Kania (Pittsburgh, Pa.) and freshman Molly Williams (Hinsdale, Ill.). Kania was limited by an injury during her freshman season but will serve as Loyden's backup, while Williams will have the opportunity to gain experience while offering the Wildcats depth at the position. A dynamic team defense with new faces will give Villanova a fresh look on the back line this season. The Wildcats are known for their dominating defensive play. The lone returning starter on the back line will be junior Kayce Blandford (Columbia, Md.) on the right side. In the past two seasons, the Wildcats have graduated a two-time All-American (Michelle Biehl) and a former Big East Championship Most Outstanding Defensive Player (Laura Koch), but the team can continue to feel confident as a top defensive team. That security is thanks in part to the breakout season that Blandford had as a sophomore, when she was a key figure on a defense that surrendered just 21 goals all season long while posting seven shutouts. Blandford also showed her abilities as an offensive player, tallying six points on two goals and two assists, including the game-winning score in a 1-0 win over Rutgers. Kayce is one of the top right-side players in the nation, Clifton said. "She doesn't get all of the postseason awards or national attention of some other players, but she is as steady as they come. She is hard to get by and simply just gets the job done. Kayce can also start our attack at any time and is a dangerous player because of that ability." Projected as the starter on the left side is junior Jenna Gordon (White Plains, N.Y.), who is among the quickest players on the team and someone Clifton feels has outstanding potential as a defensive player. Meanwhile, sophomore Laura Sylvester (Broomall, Pa.) and freshman Kelly Eagan (St. James, N.Y.) will both be key figures as central defenders. Eagan played on the U-17 National Team and is a three-year member of the ODP national pool. "Jenna had a terrific spring season," Clifton said. "She has been used as a forward in the past but she is so fast and she has shown that she can be a top-notch defender. Laura got some experience as a freshman last year and she is a great player. She is going to give us great minutes this season, and Kelly is just a tremendous talent. She is as good a player as any we have recruited and will immediately put herself in the mix on the back line." Another freshman on the back line is Heidi Boersma (Englewood, Colo.). She will be the backup on the right side but is talented enough to play minutes in the middle as well. Villanova will need to demonstrate more consistency on the offensive end this season and Clifton expects her midfielders to be driving forces towards the team's attack. Developing a high-powered offense is going to be a priority for the Wildcats this Page 5

6 2006 SEASON OUTLOOK fall, and for that to happen the team will need greater production from a midfield unit that combined for just seven assists a year ago. "The expectation is that our midfielders will start our attack," Clifton said. "That is something that needs to happen on a consistent basis this season. I am very confident in the players that we have there and I am looking forward to seeing what they can do." The midfield play starts with junior Melissa Murowski (Warren, N.J.) and senior Valerie Grow (Cumberland, R.I.) at the defensive midfield position. Murowski has been a major contributor for her ability to win a ball from the opposition and start the transition game. Grow is a dangerous player with her left foot and a talented playmaker. "Melissa is the engine that makes us go," Clifton said. "She has done a great job for two years and will continue to play a big role. Valerie is a very important player because she is a senior and has played valuable minutes. She has great size and can be an impact player." Freshman Jessica Carnevale (Princeton, N.J.) provides additional support in the midfield and will have a bright future within the team's offensive system. The primary attacking midfielders will be sophomore Erin Hardiman (Galloway, N.J.) and junior Stacia Hartung (Rochester, N.Y.). Hardiman chipped in a goal and two assists during her freshman campaign, while Hartung is an accomplished offensive player who missed time with an injury last season. "Erin had a great freshman season and it is going to be a tremendous help to her this year to draw upon her first experience at the collegiate level. She is a terrific player who can also play in the back if needed. Stacia is poised for a huge season. It is exciting to watch her play because she can do some very creative things on the field. She has the ability to change a game at any moment." Junior Kaley Guthrie (Ogdensburg, N.J.) and freshman Erin Byrnes (Sayville, N.Y.) will be joined by sophomore transfer Kristen Verbit (Newtown, Pa.) in the midfield, and the trio will provide solid options for Clifton during games. Sophomore Erin Hardiman will be a key part of the Villanova midfield this season. The Wildcats have more players at forward than any other position, and the large group of players will have to distinguish themselves early on in the 2006 season. Villanova's four top forwards last season accounted for 16 of the team's 28 goals, and all return in Fifth-year senior Lindsey Finnegan (Blackwood, N.J.) and junior Nikki Mabery (Phoenix, Ariz.) were the team's top two scorers last season. "Lindsey is the key player on our front line," Clifton said. "She returned last season from an injury the year before and was finally healthy during our spring season. She has all her foot speed back now and our team can go as far this season as Lindsey takes us. Nikki is a constant scoring threat and isn't fazed by having defenders on her. She has great scoring potential; she is a player that a defender wouldn't want to face." The other two key returnees are senior Megan Farmer (Middle Island, N.Y.) and sophomore Nicole Coia (Simpsonville, S.C.). Both had critical goals late in games a year ago and will look to have that same impact once again. "Megan is so dangerous with runs that she makes up top from the right side," Clifton said. "She is our fastest player and a difficult matchup for anyone. Nicole is a crafty one-on-one player who can break down a defense off the dribble." The top four returnees are just part of the depth that the Wildcats have up front, as senior Athena Yiantsos (Voorhees, N.J.) and sophomore Ali Foley (Short Hills, N.J.) also return. Freshmen Grace Hawkins (Northport, N.Y.) and Samantha Moskal (Chantilly, Va.) will have the ability to make immediate contributions. It will be an exciting fall on the Main Line, as the Wildcats host their own home tournament and take on national powers Notre Dame and Connecticut on campus. The balance offered on the team's roster is also present in the 2006 schedule, as Villanova has a mixture of challenging local games, top tournament competition and a demanding Big East schedule. The Wildcats will host Hartford and Robert Morris in their home tournament and also face longtime Philadelphia rival La Salle in the season opener. Non-conference games against Colgate, Fairleigh Dickinson and George Washington will be good tests for Villanova, while a trip to the Navy Tournament will show how the Wildcats fare against top competition. Villanova faces Butler and Louisiana State in that tournament. "It is great to host our first home tournament since I have been here," Clifton said. "Our fan support has been very strong in recent years and hosting a tournament is an opportunity that we are excited to offer to our fans and to Philadelphia soccer. At the Navy Tournament we are going to see how we do against a Midwest program that is traditionally strong and will be ready to play. The game against LSU is going to be a great challenge against a very good team from the Southeastern Conference." In Big East play the Wildcats will play six games at home and five on the road. Included in the home slate will be contests against Notre Dame and Connecticut. Those two teams played in the Big East Championship final a year ago and both teams advanced to the NCAA Tournament, with the Fighting Irish reaching the national quarterfinals. "Notre Dame and Connecticut are two of the traditional powers in our conference and we view ourselves as being at that level," Clifton said. "It is going to be exciting for soccer fans in this area to see such a high level of soccer played right in their backyard." Villanova will also host Georgetown, Seton Hall, Providence and DePaul in league play, with road games on tap at Rutgers, Louisville, Cincinnati, West Virginia and Pittsburgh. The Wildcats will enter the 2006 season in a great position. The team will work to meet the challenge of stepping up its offensive play while playing an extremely demanding schedule, but Clifton believes in the players that make up this year's roster and can back up her enthusiasm with nine straight years of success. "We go into the season with a lot of work to do and the ability to do some great things," Clifton said. "Villanova benefits from playing in such a strong conference as the Big East. If we can be one of the best teams in the Big East, we feel pretty good about being one of the best in the nation as well." Page 6

7 MEET THE WILDCATS #3 - Forward MEGAN FARMER Senior ~ 5-3 Middle Island, N.Y. Longwood High School On Farmer: One of the quickest players on the team and an improved offensive player Her speed creates havoc for opposing defenses Stretches the back line and has the ability to be one of the team's top scorers Poised for a huge senior season. 2005: Important front line player who started five of 19 games played Had a knack for late-game heroics Scored her only goal of the season in a 1-1 tie against Georgetown The goal tied the game at 1-1 with just 25 seconds left in regulation after the Wildcats had trailed since the 13th minute Also assisted on a gametying goal against Louisville with just four seconds left in regulation Villanova went on to win the game 3-2 in overtime Assisted on the lone goal in a 1-0 win over Seton Hall Finished the season with four points on the one goal and two assists Logged a total of 596 minutes All of her points came in Big East games Started three of 10 conference contests. 2004: Played valuable minutes at forward for the Wildcats, primarily coming off the bench Appeared in 21 games and made two starts Registered two goals and one assist Had one goal and one assist in a 3-0 victory over Bucknell on Sept. 5 Also scored a goal against Towson on Sept : Emerged as a key offensive threat off the bench Played in all 25 games on the season with two starts Tallied five points on two goals and one assist Scored her first career goal against North Carolina State on Sept. 7 in a 3-0 win Also added a goal in a 3-2 win over Syracuse on Sept. 11 Dished out first career assist on Sept. 19 during a 2-0 win over Providence Contributed key minutes during the postseason. Club Team and ODP Experience: Club team is HBC Fury Led the team to four state finals appearances and two regional championships HBC finished third at nationals in 2001 and fourth in 2002 Led the team to the 2004 National Championships in Orlando, Fla. The squad also won a Disney Championship in 2002 and was ranked second in the entire nation Was a two-year member of the state ODP team Played for the Lady Rider's Y-League team in 2001 and the Long Island Select squad in Longwood High School: Four-year starter and all-county soccer player Also an allstate track performer and two-time lacrosse all-league selection. Personal: Born 12/7/84 in Huntington, N.Y. Second of five children of Tom and Eileen Farmer Siblings are Lindsay (22), Kaitlin (19), Thomas (16) and Patrick (13) Majoring in Communications. FARMER S CAREER STATS Year GP/GS Goals Assists Points Shots GW / / / Total 65/ DID YOU KNOW? Megan s first goal of the 2005 season on August 31 tied the score against Georgetown at 1-1 with just 25 seconds left in regulation. The Wildcats went on to tie the Hoyas by that same score and picked up a critical point in their first Big East game of the season. #11 - Forward On Finnegan: Potentially explosive scorer who will be one of the team's leading forwards Possesses outstanding speed on the field and can create scoring opportunities at any time Attacks the defense to find open seams Has a flair for the dramatic, as 10 of 17 career goals have been game-winners The 10 game-winning goals are tied for the fourth most in school history (program record is 14) Team captain Fifth-year player. 2005: Returned from a medical redshirt season the previous year to finish second on the team in scoring... Showed no lingering effects from her injury Scored the game-winning goal in four out of 10 Wildcat victories Played in all 19 games and started all but one Second on the team with 47 shots Scored six goals and added four assists for 16 points Converted 2-of-2 penalty kick attempts, including an overtime game-winning goal in a 3-2 victory over Louisville Scored the only two goals of the game in a 2-0 win over Maryland In her previous game, Finnegan had contributed one goal and one assist in a 7-1 triumph against Vermont Her goal in the second half against Seton Hall lifted Villanova to a 1-0 victory Assisted on a game-tying goal with just 25 seconds left in regulation during a 1-1 tie against Georgetown Started nine of 10 Big East games and had three goals, two assists and eight points against conference foes The point total was a team-best for league play Played a total of 1,177 minutes on the season. 2004: Suffered an injury during the summer season and received a medical redshirt. 2003: Emerged as one of the top offensive players in the Big East Was among the conference leaders in game-winning goals Tallied eight goals on the season, six of which were game-winners Played in all 25 games, starting all but one Dished out five assists and had 21 points Led the team in goals and points scored and was tied for second in assists Registered two goals and one assist in six Big East regular season games Passed off first assist of the season against Rider on Aug. 31 Assisted on the only goal of the game in a 1-0 triumph over Old Dominion on Sept. 3 Scored two goals in a 3-2 victory over Syracuse on Sept. 11 and notched the game-winner against Providence on Sept. 19 Scored the only goal in two consecutive victories, 1-0 triumphs over Seton Hall on Sept. 24 and Colgate on Sept. 26 Scored the game-winning goal against Georgetown on Oct. 3 Collected one goal and one assist against Penn on Oct. 22 Recorded critical penalty kicks for the Wildcats in the Big East semifinals and championship game Delivered the game-winning goal in the team's first round NCAA game against Princeton. 2002: Played in 20 games with six starts Scored three goals and dished out three assists to finish the season with nine points Had one assist in Big East play Scored her first collegiate goal in a 6-0 win over Mt. St. Mary's Had assists in games against Georgetown and St. John's Posted two goals and one assist in recordbreaking 11-0 win over Howard. Club Team and ODP Experience: Club team is the Mount Laurel Shockwaves Has played with several other current and former Wildcats Also a member of the South Jersey Banshees and 2000 New Jersey state ODP team. LINDSEY FINNEGAN Senior ~ 5-4 Blackwood, N.J. Gloucester Catholic High School Gloucester Catholic High School: Named to the 2001 NSCAAAll-American team Voted the Player of the Year by several publications that season, including the Philadelphia Inquirer, Camden Courier Post, The County Times and the South Jersey High School Coaches Association Played in the McDonald's All-American game Chosen as an All- State performer by the NJGSA, Associated Press, Newark Star Ledger and the Gannett News Service Led high school team to a state title in 2001 and the team was 80-7 during her four-year career Tallied over 100 goals and 100 assists during high school career. Personal: Born 10/29/83 Youngest of four children of Bill and April Finnegan Majoring in Biology. FINNEGAN S CAREER STATS Year GP/GS Goals Assists Points Shots GW / / / Total 64/ Page 7

8 MEET THE WILDCATS #14 - Midfield VALERIE GROW Senior ~ 5-10 Cumberland, R.I. Cumberland High School On Grow: Versatile offensive player Skilled playmaker near the goal but is most dangerous when using long-range shots to break up the defense One of the best players on the team in the air Strong shot with left foot Has the ability to be an impact player in the midfield. 2005: Started two of the 17 games she played Scored one goal and had one assist The goal came in a victory over Minnesota and was the only score in a 1-0 victory Assisted on a goal in a 4-2 loss to West Virginia Saw action in all 10 Big East games and made one start Logged 423 minutes for the season and took 22 shots. 2004: Played in all 22 games on the season and made 12 starts Scored three goals and had one assist for seven points Two of the goals were game-winners, coming against Penn on Sept. 12 and Seton Hall on Sept. 26 Also scored a goal in season-opening 4-2 win over College of Charleston Second on the team with 31 shots. 2003: Came off the bench to play in 21 games Showed great improvement during the season and was a clutch penalty kick performer late in the season Netted key penalty kicks in postseason games against West Virginia (Big East Semifinals), Boston College (Big East Championship) and Virginia (NCAA Second Round) Recorded an assist in a 3-2 victory over Syracuse on Sept. 11 to account for her first collegiate point. Club Team and ODP Experience: Club team is Starts of Massachusetts Led the team to State Cup championships in 2001 and 2002 The squad advanced to the Region I semifinals in 2001 Member of the Region I ODP team since Cumberland High School: All-State first team performer in 2001 and 2002 Named to All-Division first team all four years Led Cumberland to Division 2 state title in 2002 Also was a member of the swim team. Personal: Born 1/4/85 in Sacramento, Calif. Younger of two children of Robert and Trudy Grow Has an older brother Jason (24) who played soccer at RIT Majoring in Human Services. GROW S CAREER STATS Year GP/GS Goals Assists Points Shots GW / / / Total 60/ #9 - Forward On Yiantsos: Quick forward who is an offensive threat whenever she is on the field Skilled at attacking open seams and going after defenders Uses her ability to stretch the back line of opposing defenses. 2005: Returned from an injury the previous season to play in 14 games Scored her first collegiate goal in a 7-1 win over Vermont Saw action in seven Big East games Played a total of 114 minutes. 2004: Suffered a season-ending injury in the first game of the campaign Was granted a medical redshirt for the season. 2003: Valuable reserve that came off the bench to play in 17 games Worked hard to become an educated forward in the Villanova system Improved as the season progressed and showed tremendous potential Competed in four regular season Big East contests. Club Team and ODP Experience: Club team is Ocean Shooting Stars of the Match Fit Academy In 2001, led the team to the Raleigh Shootout title and the New Jersey State Cup finals The Shooting Stars advanced to the Region I Premier League finals in 2002 Member of the New Jersey State Team from and member of the Region I ODP team Led her ODP squad to the national championships. Eastern Regional High School: Named to first team All-South Jersey squad All-Conference first team pick in 1999 and 2000 Voted the team's Most Valuable Player during her sophomore, junior and senior seasons Honored as the Courier Post Rookie of the Year as a freshman and was an All- State selection as a senior Also lettered in track and was named to the All-Group IV Winter Track Team in 2000 and 2001 Captured the Sprint Medley state title in ATHENA YIANTSOS Senior ~ 5-7 Voorhees, N.J. Eastern Regional High School Personal: Born 4/29/85 in Stratford, N.J. Oldest of three children of Gus and Vera Yiantsos Siblings are Aleka (20) and Tony (13) Father played collegiate soccer at Spring Garden College, where he was a forward Sister plays soccer at Drexel University and is also a forward Majoring in Civil Engineering. YIANTSOS CAREER STATS Year GP/GS Goals Assists Points Shots GW / / / Total 32/ Villanova Seniors PLAYER AUTOGRAPHS Megan Farmer Lindsey Finnegan Valerie Grow Athena Yiantsos Page 8

9 MEET THE WILDCATS KAYCE BLANDFORD Junior ~ 5-7 Columbia, Md. Notre Dame Prep On Blandford: Outside back who can contribute anywhere on the field Creates attack opportunities from the back line and has the potential to be a scorer Excellent technical player and good air #23 - Defense presence Terrific soccer mind. 2005: Had a breakout season playing as a defensive midfielder Displayed the strong defensive skills that enabled her to start as a freshman, while showcasing improved offensive abilities Big East Defensive Player of the Week for the week of September Also was named to the Soccer Buzz Elite Feet Team of the Week for the same period Started 18 of 19 games played and was one of the leading figures on a defense that registered seven shutouts Also tied for third on the team with six points scored Tallied two goals and dished out two assists Scored her first collegiate goal to beat Rutgers 1-0 Registered a goal and an assist in a 3-2 overtime win against Louisville Contributed an assist in a 4-2 loss to West Virginia Started nine of 10 Big East games Played 1,316 minutes on the season. 2004: Developed into a key figure on a strong Villanova defense Played in 21 games with 19 starts Helped the Wildcats limit opponents to a 0.70 goals-against average Villanova surrendered just 16 goals in 22 games Also registered two assists on the season Notched her first collegiate point with an assist in a 2-0 victory over Towson on Sept. 19 Assisted on the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory at No. 9 West Virginia on Sept. 24. Notre Dame Prep: Three-time All-State, All-County and All-League performer Led Notre Dame Prep to an IAMM Championship. Club Team and ODP Experience: Member of the Bethesda Dragons club team Led the squad to six Maryland state titles and two regional championships Six-year member of the regional pool Played on the regional European tour team and the Adidas All-Star European tour squad Selected to the 2004 U-19 Regional I Pool along with Wildcat teammates Erin Hardiman and Stacia Hartung. Personal: Born 6/7/86 First name is Elizabeth Kayce is her middle name Youngest of three daughters of Charles and Barbara Blandford Father played football at the University of Virginia Majoring in Business. BLANDFORD S CAREER STATS Year GP/GS Goals Assists Points Shots GW / / Total 40/ HARTUNG S CAREER STATS Year GP/GS Goals Assists Points Shots GW / / Total 32/ #19 - Defense On Gordon: Outstanding athlete who has moved up within the Villanova system after joining the team as a walk-on Versatile player who plays the back line and can attack at forward Has a tremendous upside and can continue to grow in the Wildcat program. 2005: Played in 14 games and was used in a variety of roles Made her first collegiate start against Georgetown on August 31 Logged a total of 307 minutes for the year Saw action in eight Big East games. 2004: Earned a spot on the roster as a walk-on and played backup role at the forward position Played in two games on the season Appeared in games against Towson on Sept. 19 and St. John's on Oct. 3. Academic and Community Honors: Spent the summer of 2006 studying Spanish in Chile with Wildcat teammate Melissa Murowski. Personal: Born 12/27/86 Daughter of Alan and Rosemarie Gordon Majoring in Comprehensive Science. JENNA GORDON Junior ~ 5-3 White Plains, N.Y. White Plains High School GORDON S CAREER STATS Year GP/GS Goals Assists Points Shots GW / / Total 16/ #15 - Midfield STACIA HARTUNG Junior ~ 5-3 Rochester, N.Y. Greece Olympia High School On Hartung: Versatile offensive player with the potential to be a top scorer Has a strong shot with both feet and is capable of getting through the defense Excellent ability to hold a ball up, and can strike from a distance Can play on the midfield or at forward Will be a leading contributor this season. 2005: Started in two of 11 games before suffering a season-ending injury Played valuable minutes at forward as well as midfield Took 15 shots and played a total of 291 minutes Saw action in three Big East games prior to the injury. 2004: Played in 21 games and made nine starts Ranked second on the team with five assists and third with nine points Also scored two goals on the season Scored her first collegiate goal in her first game, finding the net in a 4-2 victory over College of Charleston in the season opener Netted the game-winning goal against Providence on Oct. 10 Assisted on both goals in a 2-0 victory over Towson on Sept. 19. Club Team and ODP Experience: Club team is the Rochester Jr. Rhinos Selected to the 2003 Youth All-America team Member of the Rochester Reign of the W-League in 2003 Five-year member of the New York State West ODP team Also participated in the 2003 ESP camp, with the 2003 interregional U-19 Region I team and at the U-19 national team camp in Carson, Calif Selected to the 2005 U-19 Regional Team and currently a member of the national pool. Greece Olympia High School: Four-time All-County performer Member of the 2003 All-City first team after receiving honorable mention each of her first three years. Personal: Born 11/22/86 Daughter of Bill Hartung and Jenny DiBattisto Majoring in Communications. Page 9

10 MEET THE WILDCATS #5 - Midfield KALEY GUTHRIE Junior ~ 5-7 Ogdensburg, N.J. Pope John XXIII High School On Guthrie: Tenacious player who can lead the offense from the midfield or be used as an attacking forward Excellent vision of the field and ability to take the ball away from defenders on the flank Dangerous offensive threat who can develop into a top offensive performer. 2005: Appeared in all 19 games and started 12 Played primarily in the midfield but saw time at forward Registered 505 minutes Started eight of 10 Big East games Tallied a goal and two assists for four points The goal came in a 1-1 tie against Arizona State Dished out assists in a 2-1 win over Cincinnati and a 1-0 victory over Pittsburgh. 2004: Played in 20 games with seven starts Scored one goal and dished out three assists for five points Her first collegiate goal was a game-winner, as she netted the lone score in a 1-0 victory over Loyola on Aug. 31 Had an assist in a 4-2 victory over College of Charleston in the season opener to account for her first collegiate point Played in all 10 Big East regular season games Registered an assist in a 2-0 triumph over Providence on Oct. 10. Club Team and ODP Experience: Club team is PDA Galaxy Led the Galaxy to regional and state titles in 2003, as well as a third-place national finish ODP experience includes the New Jersey state team from , the Region I team in 2003 and the ESP National Camp in 2003 Led 2003 ODP team to national championships in Las Vegas, Nev. Played on same club team as current Wildcat teammate Melissa Murowski. Pope John XXIII: Earned first team all-state honors in 2003 Three-time All-West Jersey choice Two-time All-Parochial and All-League selection Named the West Jersey Player of the Year in 2003 by the Star Ledger and the Daily Record Led team to SCIL title in 2002 and Academic and Community Honors: Member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born 5/10/86 Older of two daughters of Kerry and Patty Guthrie Father played soccer at Siena Majoring in Management Information Systems. GUTHRIE S CAREER STATS Year GP/GS Goals Assists Points Shots GW / / Total 39/ Villanova Juniors Kayce Blandford Jenna Gordon Kaley Guthrie Stacia Hartung Jillian Loyden Nikki Mabery Melissa Murowski PLAYER AUTOGRAPHS JILLIAN LOYDEN Junior ~ 5-10 Vineland, N.J. Vineland High School On Loyden: All-America candidate Vocal team leader who was the top goalkeeper in the Big East last season Has ranked statistically among the best goalkeepers in the nation in each of the past two #1 - Goalkeeper seasons Possesses outstanding athleticism in the goal and leads the team on and off the field Has two years of eligibility remaining due to a redshirt season as a freshman in Team captain. 2005: Big East Goalkeeper of the Year Joined Janel Schillig (1999) as only Wildcat players to win the award NSCAAAll-Mid Atlantic Region second team pick First team All-Big East Named to Big East weekly honor roll on September 26 after posting consecutive 1-0 wins over Seton Hall and Rutgers Started all 18 games played and logged 1657:07 in goal Allowed 20 goals and had 85 saves Owned an.810 save percentage and 1.09 goalsagainst average Averaged 4.7 saves per game Tallied six solo shutouts and played one half of a seventh shutout Overall record in goal was Established her season high and tied a career high with 10 saves against Notre Dame Made at least six saves in a game eight times Played every minute of all 10 Big East games and owned a record with four shutouts Produced goals-against average of 0.94 and save percentage of.831 Allowed 10 goals and made 49 saves. 2004: Took over role of starting goalkeeper and flourished during her sophomore campaign Named second team All-Region by NSCAA and Soccer Buzz Garnered second team All-Big East honors Named the Big East Goalkeeper of the Week three straight weeks (Sept. 6, 13, 20) and was the ECAC Goalkeeper of the Week (Sept. 13) Started all 22 games and played 97 percent of the team's minutes in the net Registered eight shutouts on the season and allowed a mere 16 goals Ranked among the nation's best goalkeepers with a 0.73 goals-against average and.864 save percentage Made 102 saves for the season, including season-high 10 against Notre Dame (Oct. 8) and Princeton (Nov. 14) In one stretch of the season, limited opposition to just two goals in a span of nine games, including shutout wins over Boston College, No. 9 West Virginia and Seton Hall Wildcat opponents were kept off the scoreboard for 360:00 during the stretch of nine games. Club Team and ODP Experience: Member of the New Jersey state ODP team and the regional team since 1999 Also a part of the national team in 1999 and 2000 Member of the Mount Laurel Shockwaves and also played for the Ocean Shooting Stars club team Helped lead the Stars to the Raleigh Shootout championship The team also captured a Region I Premier League championship in 2001 and advanced to the finals in Vineland High School: First team All-State selection Chosen as the Player of the Year by the Atlantic City Press and the Daily Journal Was also the Daily Journal Player of the Year in 2001 Three-time All-South Jersey and All-Cape Atlantic League performer Also a member of the school's basketball team. Academic and Community Honors: National Honor Society inductee as a senior Winner of the Charles J. Niely Award for academics as a sophomore. Personal: Born 6/25/85 in Boston, Mass. Oldest of three children of Tracy Freese Siblings are Brittan (15) and Cody (9) Majoring in Comprehensive Science. LOYDEN S CAREER STATS Year GP/GS GA Saves GAA Save% SHO Minutes / : / :07 Total 40/ :41 Page 10

11 MEET THE WILDCATS On Mabery: Wildcats leading scorer last season Skilled player around the goal with a knack for putting the ball in the net A holding forward who has one of the best shots on the team #20 - Forward Can score in a variety of ways and at any time when on the field Has learned to become a more dynamic player Committed to excellence on and off the field. 2005: Emerged as a dangerous scoring threat and led the team in goals, assists and points Demonstrated strong offensive skills and showed improved ability to finish Played in all 19 games and earned 15 starts Scored seven goals, dished out five assists and finished the season with 19 points One of only two players on the team with more than six points for the season Had at least one point in a team-high 11 games, including a stretch of five straight games with at least one point early in the season Tallied game-winning goals in a 1-0 win over Pittsburgh and a 2-1 triumph over DePaul Assisted on the lone goal in a season-opening 1-0 win over La Salle Netted two goals in a 7-1 win over Vermont Started six of 10 Big East games and had three goals, one assist and seven points against league competition Played a total of 1,021 minutes for the season. 2004: Quickly developed into a potent offensive threat Played in all 22 games and made 12 starts Ranked second on the team with four goals scored and 10 points Also had two assists Scored her first two collegiate goals against Bucknell on Sept. 5 The first was the game-winner in a 3-0 victory Earned Big East Rookie of the Week honors on Sept. 6 for that performance Also scored goals against Penn on Sept. 12 and Youngstown State on Oct. 22 Contributed an assist in the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory over West Virginia in the Big East Quarterfinals. Club Team and ODP Experience: Club team is Sereno Select Golden Eagles Led the team to a runner-up finish at the 2003 Disney Cup and a 2004 Presidents' Day title Helped the Golden Eagles to state titles in each of her seasons, as well as a regional and national championship in 2003 The team posted three other second-place finishes in the regional championship Member of the state ODP team and was named to the Las Vegas All-Star team. Mabery Majoring in Biology. NIKKI MABERY Junior ~ 5-6 Phoenix, Ariz. Horizon High School Horizon High School: Played her freshman and sophomore seasons before electing to play club soccer the following two years Led Horizon to the regional championships both years and a Section 5a state title as a freshman As a sophomore was named to the Gatorade first team and All-Region first team squads. Personal: Born 11/8/85 Daughter of Pat and Jamie MABERY S CAREER STATS Year GP/GS Goals Assists Points Shots GW / / Total 41/ DID YOU KNOW? Nikki Mabery led the Wildcats in goals, assists and points during the 2005 season. Her outstanding play on the offensive end became noticeable early in the season, when she registered at least one point in five straight games. That was the longest such streak by a Wildcat in more than five years. #21 - Midfield On Murowski: One of the team's key players for her ability to link the defense to the midfield Tireless worker who can win any ball and start the offensive attack Plays bigger than her size Connects well to the back four defenders and can play in the pocket when needed. 2005:Appeared in all 19 games and made 16 starts Key contributor as a defensive midfielder to link the back four defenders to the offensive attack Helped the defense shut out the opposition seven times and assisted an offense that recorded 28 goals Ranked fifth on the team with 1,218 minutes played Started all 10 Big East games Managed 16 shots on the season. 2004: Chosen for the Soccer Buzz All-Freshman team Valuable player in both the back and midfield Played in all 22 games with 16 starts Scored one goal and had two assists The lone goal tied the game against Connecticut in the Big East semifinals and sent the game to overtime Had an assist against Yale in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Club Team and ODP Experience: Club team is PDA Galaxy Led club squad to State Cup Championships in 2001 and 2003 and regional titles in 2001 and 2003 Five-year member of the New Jersey state ODP team and a member of the Region I pool in 1999 Played on the same club team as current Villanova teammate Kaley Guthrie. MELISSA MUROWSKI Junior ~ 5-2 Warren, N.J. Watchung Hills Regional High School Watchung Hills Regional High School: School's all-time leading goal scorer All-State performer in 2003 North II All-State Group IV in 2004 First team All-Group IV honors in 2002 and 2003 Threetime first team All-Conference and All-County selection Second team All-Area pick and the Freshman of the Year in 2000 Led team to Skyland Conference titles in 2002 and 2003 Watchung Hills also won a Group 3 Sectional state title in 2001 and Group 4 Sectional state title in Academic and Community Honors: Member of the National Honor Society... Spent the summer of 2006 studying Spanish in Chile with Wildcat teammate Jenna Gordon. Personal: Born 3/26/86 Daughter of Paul and Vivian Murowski Majoring in Psychology. MUROWSKI S CAREER STATS Year GP/GS Goals Assists Points Shots GW / / Total 41/ DID YOU KNOW? Melissa was a member of the National Honor Society in high school. This past summer, she and Wildcat teammate Jenna Gordon spent the summer studying Spanish in Chile. Page 11

12 MEET THE WILDCATS NICOLE COIA Sophomore ~ 5-5 Simpsonville, S.C. St. Joseph s High School On Coia: Talented offensive player with the ability to handle a heavy scoring load Skilled one-on-one player who gets after defenders Breaks down the back line of defense and is a strong finisher. #10 - Forward 2005: Started in 11 of 19 games played, including six of 10 Big East contests Scored two goals and had an assist for five points Her first goal and first assist came during a 7-1 win over Vermont Scored the game-winning goal in the second half of a 2-1 win over Cincinnati Played 768 minutes. Club Team and ODP Experience: Captained her club teams all five years Led Carolina Elite Soccer to state titles in 2003 and 2005 Also led her club team to the 2005 Region III U-18 Championships Team also captured Raleigh titles and a Disney championship Helped lead Academy 86 Premier to a Connecticut state title in 1999 Led her club teams in scoring and assists all five years Member of Connecticut state ODP team in 1998 and 1999 and South Carolina state team St. Joseph's High School: Named the SCISA Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005 All-State selection Regional MVP Led team in scoring and assists all four years Four-time team Most Valuable Player St. Joseph's won state championships in 2004 and 2005 Also earned two varsity letters in both swimming and basketball Was the MVP of the basketball team both of the years she played. Academic and Community Honors: Valedictorian of her graduating class in high school. Personal: Born 1/9/87 in Hartford, Conn. Second of three children of Ted and Ellen Coia Has two brothers, Chris (22) and Ben (16) Father played golf at Fairfield University and mother was a basketball and track athlete at Clark University Chose Villanova because of the campus, its proximity to Philadelphia and the opportunity to compete in the Big East Enrolled in Villanova s Honors Program... Majoring in Liberal Arts. COIA S CAREER STATS Year GP/GS Goals Assists Points Shots GW / ALI FOLEY Sophomore ~ 5-5 Short Hills, N.J. Millburn High School On Foley: Coming off a successful freshman season Will once again look to add depth at forward Quick and physical player who makes great runs Stretches defenses off the ball and can take #13 - Forward advantage of scoring opportunities. 2005: Saw action in nine games and made one start Assisted on the game-winning goal in the final six minutes against DePaul for her first collegiate point Made her first start against Georgetown and played a season-high 51 minutes Competed in four regular season Big East contests Registered 128 minutes played on the season. Club Team and ODP Experience: Played for Parsippany Hurricanes club team. Millburn High School: All-State second team selection in 2003 All-County first team choice in 2003 and 2004 and first team All-Conference honoree in 2003 and 2004 Senior captain Team captured Essex County Championship in 2002 and 2003 and was Northern Hills Conference champions Academic and Community Honors: Named an Essex County Scholar Athlete in high school Personal: Born 11/14/86 in Summit, N.J. Second of four children of William and Susan Foley Siblings are Morgan (21), Tara (16) and Shannon (13) Parents are each Villanova alumni Chose the school because of all that it had to offer Majoring in Liberal Arts. #2 - Midfield ERIN HARDIMAN Sophomore ~ 5-7 Galloway, N.J. Absegami High School On Hardiman: Talented offensive player who will be asked to take on an increased scoring role as a sophomore Makes an impact on the midfield and forward lines Has the ability to become an impact player in the Big East Skilled playmaker who can strike from a distance Completely ambidextrous. 2005: Stepped immediately into a leading role in the Wildcats midfield Played in all 19 games with 17 starts while being used as both a midfielder and forward Tallied one goal and two assists for four points Her first collegiate goal was a header from the right side that tied a game against Syracuse in the second half Dished out both of the assists in a 7-1 win over Vermont Her 32 shots represented the third-highest total on the team Played 1,155 minutes Started nine of 10 Big East games. Club Team and ODP Experience: Club team is Lacey Magic Team honors included New Jersey State Cup titles (2003, 2004), Region 1 Premier League championship (2003), Jefferson Cup champions (2004) and Region 1 Premier League finalist (2004) South Jersey Banshees W-League teammate of Wildcat alums Michelle Biehl, Chrissy Dolan, Laura Koch, Patricia Misciagna and Regina Villari, as well as current teammate Lindsey Finnegan Six-year member of New Jersey state ODPteam... Team was the 2004 National ODP Championship bronze medalist in 2004 and the U-17 Region 1 champion Played with Wildcat teammates Kaley Guthrie and Melissa Murowski on that team Recently selected to the Region I U-19 Regional Team. Absegami High School: Holds school records for career goals (72), assists (45) and points (189) Also holds single-season records with 30 goals, 15 assists and 75 points All-State second team selection in 2002 First team All-Cape Atlantic League choice in 2002 and 2003, as well as a second team pick in 2001 First team All-Group IV in 2002 and 2003 First team All-South Jersey in 2002, and second team in 2003 and 2004 Team was Cape Atlantic League champion in 2002 and 2003, and a South Jersey Group IV semifinalist in 2003 Played against current Villanova teammate Jillian Loyden in high school Also a four-year letterwinner in basketball. Personal: Born 11/10/86 in Somers Point, N.J. Older of two children of Dennis and Michelle Hardiman Has a younger brother Steve, who rows for Rutgers Father played football at Trenton State and was a defensive back Has an uncle that played basketball at Canisius and was a four-year letterwinner He also played European Team Handball and competed for the United States at the 1972 Munich Olympics Another uncle played football for four years at Lafayette and was a tailback Was an all-star selection at the 2002 Villanova Soccer Camp Chose the school for its strong academic reputation and the strength of the soccer team Majoring in Liberal Arts. HARDIMAN S CAREER STATS Year GP/GS Goals Assists Points Shots GW / FOLEY S CAREER STATS Year GP/GS Goals Assists Points Shots GW / Page 12

13 MEET THE WILDCATS LEANN KANIA LAURA SYLVESTER #00 - Goalkeeper Sophomore ~ 5-7 Pittsburgh, Pa. North Allegheny High School On Kania: Gained experience learning from two veteran goalkeepers during her freshman season Provides depth in goal An outstanding athlete with excellent overall goalkeeping skills Has a bright future. #16 - Defense Sophomore ~ 5-10 Broomall, Pa. Marple Newtown High School On Sylvester: Rising defensive star in the Wildcat program that was used as a forward during freshman campaign Succeeded in playing both roles... Athletic player who will benefit from playing within the Villanova system Expected to compete for a starting role on the back line. 2005: Did not appear in any games while recovering from an early-season injury. Club Team and ODP Experience: Club team is the Beadling Centennials Helped lead her squad to Pennsylvania West championships each year from Team was also a regional semifinalist in 2001 and 2003, as well as the Continental Alliance champions in 2001 Recipient of the Region 1 Fair Play Award in North Allegheny High School: Named a WPIAL Class AAA all-star in 2004 and was an allsection choice in 2002 and 2004 Two-time team captain Led team to WPIAL third-place finish in 2004 and spot in the state playoffs Maintained 0.63 goals-against average as a senior. Academic and Community Honors: Goal Student all four years in high school Member of the National Honor Society and recipient of the Student-Athlete Award. Personal: Born 5/20/87 in Birmingham, Ala. Younger of two children of Mark and Pamela Kania Has an older brother Matt (21) who plays ice hockey at Virginia Military Institute Chose Villanova because of its Christian foundations, academic program and for the opportunity to play soccer Majoring in Comprehensive Science. #22 - Midfield KRISTEN VERBIT Sophomore ~ 5-6 Newtown, Pa. Council Rock North High School Virginia Tech University On Verbit: Transfer from Virginia Tech with three years of eligibility remaining Strong leader with the ability to be an impact player on the midfield Will immediately make her presence felt with the Wildcats Consistent player with great competitiveness. Virginia Tech University: Played in all 20 team games as a freshman in 2004 Broke into the midfield rotation for a team that won 11 games and reached the NCAA Tournament Tallied one goal and three assists for five points Recorded 17 shots. Club Team and ODP Experience: Club team is the Pennsylvania Strikers Led the team to the Eastern Pennsylvania State Cup championship four straight years from Also helped the squad reach the Region I championship in Council Rock North High School: Four-year letterwinner who led her team to state championships in 2001 and 2002 Bucks County Courier Player of the Year in Personal: Born 9/25/86 in Abington, Pa. One of two children of Steve and Vicki Verbit Has a brother, Matt Majoring in Communications. VERBIT S CAREER STATS (at Virginia Tech) Year GP Goals Assists Points Shots GW : Worked her way into the team's regular rotation in games Received valuable experience playing defense but also flourished at times when used as a forward Played in 15 games overall and had two starts Villanova shut out the opposition in seven of the games she played Started two of seven Big East games she played in Registered 234 minutes played for the season. Club Team and ODP Experience: Competed for the Vincent United club team. Marple Newtown High School: All-Delco first team and All-Central first team selection Three-time team Most Valuable Player Also earned four varsity letters in basketball and lacrosse. Academic and Community Honors: Member of the National Honor Society Recipient of the Seventh Congressional District Scholar Athlete Award Also was a winner of her school's Scholar-Athlete award. Personal: Born 4/9/87 in Bryn Mawr, Pa. Younger of two children of Bob and Janice Sylvester Has an older brother Brian (23) Chose to attend Villanova because of the school's academic reputation and the strength of the soccer program Majoring in Business. SYLVESTER S CAREER STATS Year GP/GS Goals Assists Points Shots GW / Villanova Sophomores Nicole Coia Ali Foley Erin Hardiman Leann Kania Laura Sylvester Kristen Verbit PLAYER AUTOGRAPHS Page 13

14 HEIDI BOERSMA Freshman ~ 5-6 Englewood, Colo. Heritage High School On Boersma: Very athletic and strong player Has an excellent soccer mind Gives the team added depth and dimension in its defense. #25 - Defense Club Team and ODP Experience: Club team is Real National State champions each year from Region IV finalist Team was ranked 37th in the nation and ninth in its region 2004 Disney Tournament finalist. Heritage High School: Second team all-league selection and team captain for a squad that was ranked in the top 10 in the state three straight years from The team reached the state semifinals in each of those years and won its league title in Academic and Community Honors: National Honor Society as a junior and senior in high school LINK program member in 2005 Mentioned in "Who's Who Among American Athletes" Confirmation peer leader in 2005 Student government senator as a junior and senior in high school Community relations representative in Personal: Born 10/1/87 in Englewood, Colo. One of four children of Tim and Glenda Boersma Siblings are Kari (21), Mitch (20) and Leslie (16) Sister, Kari, was a defender and team captain for the Vanderbilt University women's soccer team Brother, Mitch, plays soccer for the University of Dallas and is also a defender Chose Villanova for its Catholic affiliation and the reputation of its academic and athletic programs Majoring in Liberal Arts. ERIN BYRNES Freshman ~ 5-8 Sayville, N.Y. Saint Anthony s On Byrnes: Exceptional talent Excellent on the ball and has wonderful vision of the field Will be looked on to make an impact on midfield and attack immediately #7 - Midfield Club Team and ODPExperience: Club team is Commack Emeralds A teammate of fellow freshman Kelly Eagan Three-time Eastern New York state champions Region I finalist in 2005 and semifinalist in 2004 Ranked as high as third in the nation Five-year member of New York State ODP team as well as two-year member of Region I team and the national pool. Saint Anthony's High School: Played for a team that won the 2005 CHSAA state championship and was ranked fourth in the entire nation Also lettered one year in indoor track. Academic and Community Honors: Member of the National Honor Society Principal's List all four years in high school. Personal: Born 7/29/88 in Bethpage, N.Y. One of four children of Jack and Kim Byrnes Siblings are Courtney (21), Terence (19) and Shannon (15) Brother, Terence, will be a junior at Villanova and is on the cross country and track teams Chose to attend Villanova because of its excellent academic reputation, its religious affiliation and the traditional success of the women's soccer program Majoring in Liberal Arts. Heidi Boersma Erin Byrnes Villanova Freshmen Grace Hawkins Samantha Moskal MEET THE WILDCATS JESSICA CARNEVALE Freshman ~ 5-4 Princeton, N.J. West Windsor-Plainsboro High School On Carnevale: Smart player who makes terrific decisions with the ball Will look to gain time as a holding midfielder Has the flair to take a ball in the midfield and go forward with it. #6 - Midfield Club Team and ODP Experience: Club team is Parsippany Mischief State Cup, Region I and Y-League champions Played ODP from 2001 to West Windsor-Plainsboro High School: One of 20 players named to all-state and All-Central teams Selected four straight years from Adidas All-Region pick from Mercer 33 selection from and four-time All-CVC first team choice each of those years Voted a first team performer by the Trenton Times/Trentonian all four years Princeton Packet Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005 Gatorade Rookie of the Year in 2002 WWPHSN Most Valuable Player Team was Patriot Division champions. Personal: Born 7/19/88 in Princeton, N.J. Oldest of four children of Gary and Mary Ann Carnevale Siblings are Courtney (14), A.J. (12) and Catherine (6) Chose Villanova because of its comfortable location and environment Majoring in Liberal Arts. #24 - Defense PLAYER AUTOGRAPHS KELLY EAGAN Freshman ~ 5-6 St. James, N.Y. Smithtown High School On Eagan: Outstanding talent Will have the opportunity to join a long line of great central defenders that have worn the Villanova uniform Takes over a spot most recently occupied by two All- Americans Excellent athlete with wonderful vision and distribution out of the back line Immediate impact player in the Villanova system. Club Team and ODP Experience: Club team is Commack Emeralds Six-year teammate of fellow freshman Erin Byrnes Eastern New York State Cup champions each year from PDA College Showcase champions 2005 USYSA regional finalists Five-year member of state and regional ODP teams Three-year member of the national pool Member of the U-17 national team. Smithtown High School: Team captain and most valuable player Youth All- American All-Long Island and All-New York selection Suffolk County Player of the Year 2003 and Named an all-county, all-league and all-conference performer Voted to all-league team and was Defensive MVP in the county championship game Team won a county championship in 2002 and was a Long Island finalist Also the league champions and county finalists in 2004 County finalists again in 2005 Played against fellow freshman Grace Hawkins during her high school career. Academic and Community Honors: Member of the National Honor Society and French National Honor Society Secretary of the Class Council. Personal: Born 5/30/88 in Stony Brook, N.Y. Second of three children of Craig and Kathleen Eagan Has two brothers, Sean (19) and Kyle (13) Mother was a gymnast at Slippery Rock University and father played baseball for St. Lawrence University Brother, Sean, is on the wresting team at Sacred Heart University Chose Villanova for its excellent academic reputation and its traditionally successful women's soccer program Majoring in Liberal Arts. Jessica Carnevale Molly Williams Kelly Eagan Page 14

15 MEET THE WILDCATS GRACE HAWKINS Freshman ~ 5-7 Northport, N.Y. Northport High School On Hawkins: Outstanding work ethic Has a knack for being in and around dangerous opportunities in the box Will be looked upon to make an immediate impact on the team's scoring. #8 - Forward Club Team and ODPExperience: Club team is Cold Spring Harbor Lady Riders Region I Northeast Premier League champions in 2005 Has been on the roster of the W-League Lady Riders since 2004 SYL ODP team member since Northport High School: All-State (2005), all-county (2003) and all-league (2002) performer Led her team in scoring three times and was the 2005 League 2 Player of the Year Team won four straight league championships from Team captain Played against current Villanova teammates Erin Byrnes and Kelly Eagan Also was a two-year letterwinner in indoor track and a one-year lacrosse letterwinner. Academic and Community Honors: Four-year member of the Honor Roll and a Scholar- Athlete Along with 16 other students, raised $137,000 to fight Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS). Personal: Born 2/20/88 in Huntington, N.Y. Younger of two children of Bernadette Hawkins Has a brother, Joseph (19), who will be a junior at Villanova Chose to attend Villanova due to its academic excellence and highly competitive soccer program Also enjoyed the campus and location of the school Majoring in Liberal Arts. SAMANTHA MOSKAL Freshman ~ 5-8 Chantilly, Va. Chantilly High School On Moskal: Crafty player with the ability to get behind the defense on the ball Dangerous presence moving forward on the flank Strong player who will provide excellent service on the flank. #12 - Forward Club Team and ODP Experience: Club team is BRYC Attack 2005 Virginia state champions Ranked No. 7 in the entire nation Virginia state ODP team member for two years Two years of playing experience in U-19 ODP tournaments. Chantilly High School: Second team all-district selection two times Chosen second team All-State in Team was ranked third in the state of Virginia in Also lettered for two years in indoor track. Academic and Community Honors: A-B Honor Roll all four years of high school career Freshman History Student of the Year National Honor Society member Treasurer of the Student Government Association as a senior Academic Letter of Achievement in 2005 for having a GPA of at least 3.8 Aid at the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Parade. Personal: Born 10/5/87 in Landstuhl, Germany Youngest of three children of Paul and Mary Moskal Siblings are Christopher (29) and Kimberly (23) Father was an Intelligence Officer in the Air Force and retired in 1994 He currently works for Booz Allen Hamilton Uncle, Tom, was a guard on the Eastern Illinois football team and played professionally for two seasons with the Edmonton Eskimos Chose Villanova to challenge herself both athletically and academically Majoring in Finance. Members of the 2006 freshman class pose at the Disney Showcase in Orlando, Florida during the winter of From left to right: Molly Williams, Heidi Boersma, Erin Byrnes and Kelly Eagan. MOLLY WILLIAMS Freshman ~ 5-8 Hinsdale, Ill. St. Ignatius Prep On Williams: Athletic goalkeeper with exceptionally quick feet Has great hands and a good read of the game Brings outstanding high school and club experience into her first collegiate season. #0 - Goalkeeper Club Team and ODP Experience: Club teams are Eclipse Select (2005-present) and NSA Premier ( ) Eclipse: Disney Showcase finalist in and 2005 Midwest Regional League champions NSA: Illinois State Cup champions in Region 2 finalists President's Day Tournament champions in 2004 Illinois state ODP team member from Played with Region 2 Champions 87 in 2001 and 2004 USYSA national finalists in 2005 and St. Ignatius College Prep: Selected to GCAC All-Conference team three teams from team most valuable player IHSAAll-Sectional Team in 2004 Daily Southtown All-Area Team in 2004 and 2005 Lemont Cup All-Tournament Team honoree each year from Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times All-Area team in 2005 Team was an Illinois Class A sectional champion and state quarterfinalist in 2005 Owns the school record for single-season shutouts (17) in 2005 and for owning a 0.70 goals-against average. Academic and Community Honors: Academic Honors with Distinction each year since 2003 Member of the National Honor Society American Legion School Award for distinguished achievement Vice President of Students Against Drunk Driving. Personal: Born 9/30/87 in Chicago, Ill. Oldest of three children of Tom Williams and Kelly Quinn Has two younger brothers, Ryan (15) and Patrick (12) Father played golf at Notre Dame from Chose to attend Villanova for its combination of academic and athletic reputations, the size of the school and its Catholic affiliation Also selected the school for the excellence of the women's soccer program Majoring in Marketing. Villanova Girls Soccer Camp Your Development Is Our Commitment The Villanova Girls Soccer Camp Staff has one goal in mind and that is for you to be a better player when you have completed our camp curriculum. Our staff will always be available to help with extra tips and advice to make your experience with us fun and rewarding. Call for Summer 2007 Camp Dates and Additional Information Villanova Women s Soccer Office Villanova Girls Soccer Camp Villanova University Jake Nevin Field House Women s Soccer Office 800 Lancaster Avenue Villanova, PA Page 15

16 OPPONENT INFORMATION LA SALLE August 25 ~ 7 p.m. Philadelphia, Pa. Location: Philadelphia, Pa. Enrollment: ,138 Nickname: Explorers Colors: Blue and Gold Conference: Atlantic 10 Home Field: McCarthy Stadium Head Coach Paul Royal Record at School (yrs): (3) Career Record (yrs): same 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (12) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:....12/6 Starters Returning/Lost: /2 Contact: Marc Mullen Office Phone: mmullen@lasalle.edu All-Time Series Record:..VU leads 13-1 FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON August 27 ~ 4 p.m. Villanova, Pa. Location: Teaneck, N.J. Enrollment: ,080 Nickname: Knights Colors: Burgundy and Blue Conference: Northeast Home Field: University Stadium Head Coach TBA Record at School (yrs):....first Season Career Record (yrs):......first Season 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (5) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:....12/6 Starters Returning/Lost: /5 Contact: Sara Naggar Office Phone: snaggar@fdu.edu All-Time Series Record:...First meeting GEORGE WASHINGTON August 29 ~ 4 p.m. Villanova, Pa. Location: Washington, D.C. Enrollment: ,318 Nickname: Colonials Colors: Buff and Blue Conference: Atlantic 10 Home Field:.Mount Vernon Athletics Complex Head Coach Tanya Vogel Record at School (yrs): (7) Career Record (yrs): same 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (13) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:...12/12 Starters Returning/Lost: /6 Contact: Ryan Hudson Office Phone: rhudson@gwu.edu All-Time Series Record:...VU leads 6-3 HARTFORD September 1 ~ 4 p.m. Villanova, Pa. Villanova Tournament Location: West Hartford, Conn. Enrollment: ,657 Nickname: Hawks Colors: Scarlet and White Conference: America East Home Field: Al-Marzook Field Head Coach John Natale Record at School (yrs): (2) Career Record (yrs): same 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (7) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:....14/8 Starters Returning/Lost: /3 Contact: David Longolucco Office Phone: longolucc@hartford.edu All-Time Series Record: Series tied ROBERT MORRIS September 3 ~ 2 p.m. Villanova, Pa. Villanova Tournament Location: Moon Township, Pa. Enrollment: ,000 Nickname: Colonials Colors: Blue and White with Red Conference: Northeast Home Field:....North Athletic Complex Head Coach John Kowalski Record at School (yrs): (5) Career Record (yrs): same 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (9) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:....15/9 Starters Returning/Lost: /6 Contact: Ken Baker Office Phone: baker@rmu.edu All-Time Series Record:...VU leads 1-0 BUTLER September 8 ~ 4 p.m. Annapolis, Md. Navy Tournament Location: Indianapolis, Ind. Enrollment: ,415 Nickname: Bulldogs Colors: Blue and White Conference: Horizon League Home Field: Varsity Field Head Coach Tari St. John Record at School (yrs):....first Season Career Record (yrs): same 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (T5) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:....15/5 Starters Returning/Lost: /2 Contact: Chris Urban Office Phone: curban@butler.edu All-Time Series Record:...VU leads 1-0 LOUISIANA STATE September 10 ~ 1:30 p.m. Annapolis, Md. Navy Tournament Location: Baton Rouge, La. Enrollment: ,582 Nickname: Tigers Colors: Purple and Gold Conference: Southeastern Home Field:......LSU Soccer Complex Head Coach Brian Lee Record at School (yrs): (1) Career Record (yrs): (12) 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (3) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:....12/7 Starters Returning/Lost: /4 Contact: Will Stafford Office Phone: wstaff2@lsu.edu All-Time Series Record:...First meeting GEORGETOWN September 15 ~ 4 p.m. Villanova, Pa. Location: Washington, D.C. Enrollment: ,652 Nickname: Hoyas Colors: Blue and Gray Conference: BIG EAST Home Field: North Kehoe Head Coach Dave Nolan Record at School (yrs): (2) Career Record (yrs): same 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (5) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:....18/3 Starters Returning/Lost: /2 Contact: Jim Donatelli Office Phone: jad85@georgetown.edu All-Time Series Record:.VU leads COLGATE September 19 ~ 4 p.m. Villanova, Pa. Location: Hamilton, N.Y. Enrollment: ,800 Nickname: Raiders Colors: Maroon, White and Gray Conference: Patriot League Home Field: Van Doren Head Coach Kathy Brawn Record at School (yrs): (15) Career Record (yrs): same 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (T1) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:....15/9 Starters Returning/Lost: /4 Contact: Kristy McNeil Office Phone: kmcneil@mail.colgate.edu All-Time Series Record:.VU leads SETON HALL September 22 ~ 4 p.m. Villanova, Pa. Location: South Orange, N.J. Enrollment: ,700 Nickname: Pirates Colors: Blue and White Conference: BIG EAST Home Field:......Owen T. Carroll Field Head Coach.Betty Ann Kempf-Townsley Record at School (yrs): (12) Career Record (yrs): (20) 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (7) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:....19/7 Starters Returning/Lost: /2 Contact: Dayna Johnson Office Phone: johnsodd@shu.edu All-Time Series Record:...VU leads 8-4 Villanova Tournament Friday, September 1 and Sunday, September 3 Villanova ~ Colgate ~ Hartford ~ Robert Morris Friday, September 1 Colgate vs. Robert Morris (1 p.m.) Villanova vs. Hartford (4 p.m.) Sunday, September 3 Colgate vs. Hartford (11 a.m.) Villanova vs. Robert Morris (2 p.m.) All games to be played at the Villanova Soccer Stadium For directions and more information, visit Page 16

17 OPPONENT INFORMATION RUTGERS September 24 ~ 6 p.m. Piscataway, N.J. Location: Piscataway, N.J. Enrollment: ,000 Nickname: Scarlet Knights Color: Scarlet Conference: BIG EAST Home Field: Yurcak Field Head Coach Glenn Crooks Record at School (yrs): (6) Career Record (yrs): (13) 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (4) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:....14/6 Starters Returning/Lost: /4 Contact: Lindsey Wyckoff Office Phone: lwyckoff@scarletknights.com All-Time Series Record:.RU leads CONNECTICUT September 29 ~ 4 p.m. Villanova, Pa. Location: Storrs, Conn. Enrollment: ,083 Nickname: Huskies Colors:....National Flag Blue and White Conference: BIG EAST Home Field:.Joseph J. Morrone Stadium Head Coach Len Tsantiris Record at School (yrs): (25) Career Record (yrs): same 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (1) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:....14/8 Starters Returning/Lost: /6 Contact: Jay D Ambro Office Phone: jay.dambro@uconn.edu All-Time Series Record: UC leads PROVIDENCE October 1 ~ 1 p.m. Villanova, Pa. Location: Providence, R.I. Enrollment: ,770 Nickname: Friars Colors: Black, White and Silver Conference: BIG EAST Home Field: Glay Field Head Coach Jim McGirr Record at School (yrs): (1) Career Record (yrs): same 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (8) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:....16/4 Starters Returning/Lost: /2 Contact: Jodi Pontbriand Office Phone: jpontbri@providence,edu All-Time Series Record:.VU leads BIG EAST INFORMATION Big East Championship First Round: October (Campus Sites) Quarterfinals: October (Campus Sites) Semifinals: November 3 (Morrone Stadium, Storrs, Conn.) Final: November 5 (Morrone Stadium, Storrs, Conn.) Championship Information LOUISVILLE October 6 ~ 7 p.m. Louisville, Ky. Location: Louisville, Ky. Enrollment: ,089 Nickname: Cardinal Colors: Red, Black and White Conference: BIG EAST Home Field: Cardinal Park Head Coach Karen Ferguson Record at School (yrs): Career Record (yrs): same 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (3) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:....13/6 Starters Returning/Lost: /2 Contact: Sean Moth Office Phone: sean.moth@louisville.edu All-Time Series Record:...VU leads 1-0 PITTSBURGH October 15 ~ 1 p.m. Pittsburgh, Pa. Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Enrollment: ,796 Nickname: Panthers Colors: Blue and Gold Conference: BIG EAST Home Field:.Founders Field (Indianola, Pa.) Head Coach Sue-Moy Chin Record at School (yrs): (3) Career Record (yrs): same 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (5) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:...13/10 Starters Returning/Lost: /5 Contact: Anne Reddy Office Phone: amr40@pitt.edu All-Time Series Record:.VU leads CINCINNATI October 8 ~ 12:30 p.m. Cincinnati, Ohio Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Enrollment: ,244 Nickname: Bearcats Colors: Red and Black Conference: BIG EAST Home Field: Gettler Stadium Head Coach Meridy Glenn Record at School (yrs): (23) Career Record (yrs): same 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (8) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:....16/7 Starters Returning/Lost: /2 Contact: Jeremy Martin Office Phone: Jeremy.Martin@uc.edu All-Time Series Record:.VU leads NOTRE DAME October 20 ~ 4 p.m. Villanova, Pa. Location: South Bend, Ind. Enrollment: ,301 Nickname: Fighting Irish Colors: Gold and Blue Conference: BIG EAST Home Field: Alumni Field Head Coach Randy Waldrum Record at School (yrs): (7) Career Record (yrs): (24) 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (1) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:....17/8 Starters Returning/Lost: /3 Contact: Pete LaFleur Office Phone: lafleur.4@nd.edu All-Time Series Record:..ND leads 12-1 WEST VIRGINIA October 13 ~ 7 p.m. Morgantown, W. Va. Location: Morgantown, W. Va. Enrollment: ,051 Nickname: Mountaineers Colors: Old Gold and Blue Conference: BIG EAST Home Field:.Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium Head Coach Nikki Izzo-Brown Record at School (yrs): (10) Career Record (yrs): (11) 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (3) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:....12/6 Starters Returning/Lost: /3 Contact: Lainie Guiddy Office Phone: Lainie.Guiddy@mail.wvu.edu All-Time Series Record: Series tied DEPAUL October 22 ~ 1 p.m. Villanova, Pa. Location: Chicago, Ill. Enrollment: ,300 Nickname: Blue Demons Colors: Royal Blue and Scarlet Conference: BIG EAST Home Field: Wish Field Head Coach John Wilson Record at School (yrs): (6) Career Record (yrs): same 2005 Overall Record: League Record/Finish: (6) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:....14/8 Starters Returning/Lost: /3 Contact: Greg Greenwell Office Phone: ggreenwe@depaul.edu All-Time Series Record:...VU leads 1-0 The top five teams in each division will advance to the Big East Tournament. The fourth and fifth place teams in both divisions will have play-in games in the first round of the tournament, scheduled for October at campus sites. The top three teams in each division earn a bye into the quarterfinals. Below are the teams in each division based on the 2005 final standings Final Big East Standings Division A Big East Overall Connecticut Marquette West Virginia Syracuse Pittsburgh USF St. John s Providence Division B Big East Overall Notre Dame Villanova Louisville Rutgers Georgetown DePaul Seton Hall Cincinnati Page 17

18 WOMEN S SOCCER: THE VILLANOVA EXPERIENCE Learning the Villanova Way... Former Wildcats in the Coaching Ranks Jeff Leightman, Binghamton University Assistant coach at Villanova in 1997 Head coach at Binghamton since 1998 Has career record of (.651) Bearcars reached the NCAA Tournament in 2004 Jim McGirr, Providence College Assistant coach at Villanova Wildcats advanced to NCAA Tournament all three years of his tenurein his second season as the head coach at Providence Paul Royal, La Salle University Assistant coach at Villanova from Beginning his fourth season as head coach at La Salle 2004 squad had fifth-best turnaround in Division I Brian Herr, Lafayette College Assistant coach at Villanova from In his first season as assistant coach at Lafayette Helped lead Villanova to two NCAA Tournament appearances Dan Mannella, La Salle University Assistant coach at Villanova in 1999 In his fourth season as assistant coach at La Salle Erica Stewart, Rutgers University Played at Villanova from Wildcats played in NCAA Tournament all four years Named a team captain in 2004 In second season as volunteer assistant at Rutgers Chrissy Dolan, La Salle University Wildcat goalkeeper from Led Villanova to NCAA Sweet 16 in 2003 Posted a school record 16 shutouts and 0.46 GAA in 2003 Owned career 0.50 GAA Spent two seasons as an assistant coach at La Salle University Arby Busey, Seattle Pacific University Top assistant coach at Villanova in 2005 Three years of head coaching experience at Idaho In his first season as an assistant at Seattle Pacific Two-Time All-American Michelle Biehl Page 18

19 WOMEN S SOCCER: THE VILLANOVA EXPERIENCE Life After Villanova Catching Up with Wildcat Alumni Julie Battista Works for Comcast Spectacor as coordinator of inventory and finance for premium seating Elizabeth Dauble Playing professional soccer in Sweden Janessa Jeltema Attending graduate school for social work at Bryn Mawr College Laura Johnson Second-year medical student at Thomas Jefferson Medical College Engaged to be married to former Villanova football player Joseph Heinmiller When I looked at different schools it was very important to me to find a competitive soccer program at an institution with a strong academic reputation. Villanova offered an opportunity that went beyond those expectations, with a soccer team that ranks among the nation s best in every aspect of the program. The academic curriculum and Augustinian affiliation has created an experience at Villanova that has allowed me to grow as a student-athlete and, more importantly, as a person. Junior Kayce Blandford Candace MacDonald Marketing project manager for Avenue A in New York City Patricia Misciagna Attending graduate school at Villanova for strategic communication Assistant girls varsity coach at Radnor High School Works at the Leaders Edge in area of leadership development 2003 Big East Champions West Campus Meeting Room Page 19

20 WOMEN S SOCCER IN THE COMMUNITY An important part of the women s soccer experience at Villanova University is the team s involvement in numerous community service programs. The Wildcats are active with several campus organizations that do work in the community and have joined other women s soccer programs at Philadelphia-area schools for soccer clinics in the area. The following are the campus organizations that the Wildcats have done community service projects with: PAWS SAAC CATS Providing Athletes With Support Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Community Action Through Sports The women s soccer team has also participated in conjunction with Villanova s other varsity teams for community service programs sponsored by the athletic department. Listed below are some of the community programs the Wildcats have been involved with. CITY SIX SOCCER CLINICS On April 23, 2006 the Wildcats participated in the first-ever City Six Soccer Clinic at Saint Joseph s Finnesey Field. Money collected from the clinic was donated to the Children s Hospital of Philadelphia Oncology Unit. Together, the City Six teams raised more than $1,000 through this project. SOCCER ON THE STREETS The Wildcats collect used soccer equipment for Soccer on the Streets. This is a program that aimes to provide soccer equipment and facilities for underprivileged youth players. As part of the program, Villanova has also conducted free clinics for youth players. ADOPT-A-FAMILY The women s soccer team was one of many Wildcat athletic teams that took part in the Adopt-A-Family Program once again in During the Christmas season, Villanova provided toys, clothes, kitchen supplies, toiletries, make-up, food, gift certificates and other presents to families in need during the holidays. PHILADELPHIA FIT FEST A number of women s soccer athletes participate in the Philadelphia Fit Fest. Soccer is just one of the many sports being taught at the fit fest. Wildcat players and coaches help teach the fundamentals of the game to inter-city kids from the Philadelphia area. ST. CHRISTOPHER S CHILDREN S HOSPITAL During the fall, the Villanova women s soccer team often visits the children at the St. Christopher s Children s Hospital. On a recent visit, the team helped the patients paint pumpkins and make masks for Halloween. YOUTH CLINICS AND GIRL SCOUTS DAY The Villanova women s soccer program brought youth teams in and gave a clinic to teach them about the finer points of the game of soccer. The team also spoke to the Girl Scouts about the program and about the importance of getting a good education. When we discuss our community service programs with the Villanova women s soccer team, I always use a William Penn quote: I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore there be any kindness I can show or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again. (William Penn, ). -Villanova Head Coach Ann Clifton PEN PAL PROGRAM In , over 100 athletes, including a number of women s soccer players, took part in a Pen Pal Program with fifth and sixth graders at Evans Computer Magnet Elementary School in Yeadon, Pa. Letters were exchanged each month between the Villanova student-athletes and elementary school students. During the spring semester, the kids came to Villanova to visit their pen pal in person and experience the life of a college student. JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM The Junior Achievement Program is comprised of 100 student-athletes from Villanova University. These student-athletes prepared and trained to go into elementary school settings, where they worked hands on with the students in such activities as economic education. The student-athletes taught five weekly minute lessons at local schools. SNEAKER COLLECTION The women s soccer Cats were among many Villanova athletes to donate their old sneakers to the poor and underprivileged. Over 100 pairs of sneakers were collected in the office of Athletic Student Services and were given to Campus Ministry to deliver to needy families. READING ACROSS AMERICA PROGRAM During Dr. Seuss s birthday several year ago, the Villanova women s soccer team traveled to a local elementary school and read several Dr. Seuss books to the students. Villanova student-athletes are involved with numerous community service programs each year. On a visit to the St. Christopher Children s Hospital the Wildcats and patients painted pumpkins and made masks for Halloween. Page 20

21 2005 YEAR IN REVIEW 2005 VILLANOVA WILDCATS INDIVIDUAL & TEAM STATISTICS Overall: Conf: Home: Away: Neut: OVERALL CONFERENCE SHOTS SHOTS ## Name GP-GS G A Pts Sh Shot% SOG SOG% GW PK GP-GS G A Pts Sh Shot% SOG SOG% GW PK 20 Nikki Mabery Lindsey Finnegan Kayce Blandford Kelly Breslin Nicole Coia Laura Koch Erin Hardiman Kaley Guthrie Megan Farmer Valerie Grow Patricia Misciagna Kristin Anderson Athena Yiantsos Ali Foley Melissa Murowski Stacia Hartung Laura Sylvester Jenna Gordon Meghan Irrgang Kristin Kelleher Jillian Loyden Jamie Doehler TOTALS OPPONENTS OVERALL CONFERENCE -GOAL AVERAGE-- -SAVES- --RECORD--- -GOAL AVERAGE-- -SAVES- --RECORD--- ## Name GP-GS Min. GA GAAvg Svs Pct W L T Sho GP-GS Min. GA GAAvg Svs Pct W L T Sho 0 Jamie Doehler : Jillian Loyden : : TOTAL : : OPPONENTS : : TEAM STATISTICS VU OPP SHOT STATISTICS Goals-Shot attempts Goals scored average Shot pct Shots on goal-attempts SOG pct Shots/Game Assists CORNER KICKS PENALTIES Fouls Yellow cards Red cards ATTENDANCE Total Dates/Avg Per Date /534 7/506 Neutral Site Dates/Avg Per Date 3/163 GOALS BY PERIOD st 2nd OT OT2 Total Villanova Opponents SHOTS BY PERIOD st 2nd OT OT2 Total Villanova Opponents SAVES BY PERIOD st 2nd OT OT2 Total Villanova Opponents VILLANOVA WILDCATS SCHEDULE/RESULTS Date Opponent Score Overall Conf Attend Aug. 26 La Salle W Aug. 28 Saint Joseph s L Aug. 31 at Georgetown (*) T 1-1 (2ot) Sept. 2 Lehigh L Sept. 4 Vermont W Sept. 8 at Maryland (#) W Sept. 11 vs. Cal-Santa Barbara (#) L Sept. 16 vs. Arizona State ($) T 1-1 (2ot) Sept. 18 vs. Minnesota ($) W Sept. 23 at Seton Hall (*) W Sept. 25 Rutgers (*) W Sept. 30 at Syracuse (*) T 1-1 (2ot) Oct. 2 at St. John s (*) T 0-0 (2ot) Oct. 7 Cincinnati (*) W Oct. 9 Louisville (*) W 3-2 (ot) Oct. 16 Pittsburgh (*) W Oct. 21 at No. 7 Notre Dame (*) L Oct. 23 at DePaul (*) W Oct. 30 No. 18 West Virginia (%) L Home games in bold * - Big East Conference game # - Maryland/adidas Classic (hosted by University of Maryland, College Park, Md.) $ - adidas/hypertherm Classic (hosted by Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H.) % - Big East Championship Quarterfinal Round Kayce Blandford Big East Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 26) Soccer Buzz Elite Feet Team of the Week (Sept. 27) INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES Laura Koch All-Big East Second Team NSCAA All-Mid Atlantic First Team Soccer Buzz All-Mid Atlantic Third Team Page 21 Jillian Loyden Big East Weekly Honor Roll (Sept. 26) Big East Goalkeeper of the Year All-Big East First Team NSCAA All-Mid Atlantic Second Team

22 Regionally Ranked: Villanova was ranked each week during the season in the Mid-Atlantic Region polls released by the NSCAA and Soccer Buzz. The Wildcats were ranked as high as No. 4 for three weeks in the 46-team region, just one spot below their highest-ever regional ranking. Villanova finished the season ranked No. 5 in its region. Road Warriors: Faring well away from home is usually a good barometer of success for a team, and the Wildcats have excelled when going on the road. Since the beginning of the 2004 season, Villanova has compiled a sterling record of (.688) in games played away from home. Last season, the Wildcats were in road and neutral-site games YEAR IN REVIEW Fantastic at the Finish: In a critical Big East game against Louisville on October 9, the Wildcats trailed 2-1 in the waning seconds before Nikki Mabery tied the score on a goal with just four seconds remaining in regulation. Villanova went on to win on Lindsey Finnegan s penalty kick two minutes into the first overtime period. The win over the Cardinals was emblematic of the team s season. In 19 games, the Wildcats scored four times in the final minute of regulation, with two of those tallies tying the score. Overall, Villanova scored 20 of its 28 goals (71 percent) on the season after halftime, including 12 goals in the 71st minute or later. Reaching a Milestone: In the fourth game of the Wildcats season, head coach Ann Clifton became the first in program history to reach the 100-victory plateau when Villanova defeated Vermont 7-1. Clifton s current career record through nine seasons on the Main Line is Mabery Makes Her Point: In her second collegiate season, forward Nikki Mabery led the team in all three major offensive categories, totaling seven goals, five assists and 19 points for the season. Her contribution on the offensive end became apparent early in the season, when she ran off a string of five straight games with at least one point. Mabery was the first Wildcat since Jessica Painchaud in (seven games) to have a streak that long. Mabery started the streak with two goals in a 7-1 win over Vermont and recorded a total of nine points (three goals, three assists) during the five-game stretch. Team captains Jillian Loyden and Lindsey Finnegan provided outstanding leadership for the Wildcats. System of Success: The Big East began sponsoring a postseason championship for women s soccer in the 1993 season. Since then, the Wildcats have qualified for the Big East Tournament 11 times in 13 seasons, including each of the past five years and 10 times in the last 11 seasons. Villanova won its only Big East title in 2003 and has advanced as far as the semifinals seven times in its 11 appearances. Playing the Best: For only the fifth time ever, Villanova squared off against the defending national champion during its season. On October 21 the Wildcats faced Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. It marked the third straight game out of the five against defending national champions in which the opponent was the Fighting Irish. Villanova also encountered North Carolina in 1983 and George Mason in Fifth-year senior Patricia Misciagna was a key part of the Wildcat defense in Flair for the Dramatic: When the game is on the line, the Wildcats can often turn to forward Lindsey Finnegan to put Villanova over the top. Finnegan has had a penchant for game-winning goals in her career, with 10 of her 17 career scores being game-winners. In 2005, Finnegan finished second on the team with six goals, including four game-winning tallies. Finnegan is tied for fourth in school history with the 10 game-winning goals, standing just four behind team record holders Ann Brennan and Cathy Ford. Nikki Mabery enjoyed a breakout sophomore season in 2005, leading the team in goals, assists and points for the season. Defenders Laura Sylvester and Laura Koch stop an attacking opportunity in a game against Lehigh. Villanova once again had one of the top defensive units in the Big East. Page 22

23 YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS 1983 (12-6-0) Head Coach Lee Stevens 9/18 Adelphi L 1-2 9/18 Connecticut L 0-2 George Mason 1 L 0-4 9/25 vs. North Carolina 1 L 0-9 9/27 Swarthmore W 10-1 Penn W 9-1 Manhattanville W 3-0 West Chester W /8 Scranton W 4-0 Princeton L /13 Mercer CC W 4-3 Franklin & Marshall W 5-2 Swarthmore W /21 Lehigh W /23 George Washington W /24 West Chester W /4 Vermont 2 L /5 Colgate 2 W ( ) Head Coach Don Paxson 9/1 George Mason L 0-5 9/9 Mercer CC W #1-0 Connecticut 3 L 1-4 9/16 vs. Providence 3 W 2-0 Rochester 4 L 1-2 9/23 vs. Westfield State 4 W 3-1 9/25 Swarthmore W /28 Manhattanville W /2 Penn W /4 West Chester W /7 vs. Cornell 5 L ^1-3 10/7 vs. Harvard 5 L /9 Princeton L /13 Delaware W /14 Cincinnati T ^^0-0 10/17 Franklin & Marshall W 3-0 Rutgers L 2-5 Adelphi L /24 West Chester W 3-0 Scranton L 1-2 George Washington L ^1-2 Colgate 2 L (10-5-1) Head Coach Don Paxson 9/11 Dickinson W 3-0 9/14 vs. Virginia 6 W 1-0 9/14 vs. Maryland 6 L 0-3 George Washington 6 W 3-0 9/18 Delaware W 6-1 Kean W /1 West Chester W /6 vs. Boston College 7 L 0-1 Princeton L /12 Adelphi T ^^2-2 10/16 Rutgers L 0-1 George Mason L 0-6 Franklin & Marshall W /26 Scranton W /29 George Washington W 4-0 Saint Joseph s W (12-4-3) Head Coach Don Paxson Adelphi T ^^2-2 Dickinson W 2-0 9/13 vs. Boston College 3 L 0-1 9/14 vs. Providence 3 W 2-1 9/17 La Salle W 13-0 Virginia 8 T ^^2-2 9/21 vs. Maryland 8 W 4-1 9/26 Niagara 9 W 3-0 9/27 Colgate 9 W /1 Kean W /8 Princeton W ^1-0 10/11 Holy Cross 9 L /12 Rhode Island 9 W 4-0 Rutgers T ^^0-0 George Washington L /20 Monmouth W 3-1 Scranton W /28 Franklin & Marshall W /31 George Mason L (13-6-2) Head Coach Don Paxson 9/12 vs. Providence 3 W 1-0 Connecticut 3 T ^^1-1 9/19 Adelphi L 3-4 La Salle W 5-0 UNC-Asheville W 10-0 Radford T ^^1-1 9/29 St. John s W /1 Scranton W /3 vs. Maryland 8 L /4 vs. Barry 8 L 2-3 Princeton W /10 vs. Hartford 10 L ^0-1 10/10 vs. George Mason 10 L /11 vs. Virginia 10 W /14 Rutgers W 3-1 Monmouth L /24 Canisius 9 W /25 Holy Cross 9 W /31 Providence W /6 vs. Monmouth 2 W 3-0 Hartford 2 W^^^ (7-7-4) Head Coach Don Paxson Adelphi T ^^2-2 Boston College L 0-1 Providence T ^^2-2 Virginia L 0-2 William & Mary L 0-3 Maryland L /5 Princeton W /8 vs. Hartford 10 T ^^1-1 10/8 vs. Mary Washington 10 W /9 vs. George Mason 10 L ^0-2 Rutgers W /16 Colgate W /19 Monmouth T ^^0-0 St. John s W /27 George Washington W /29 vs. New Hampshire 11 L 0-1 Holy Cross 11 L /1 La Salle W (8-10-0) Head Coach Don Paxson 9/9 Holy Cross L 0-1 William & Mary L 0-5 Duke L 1-5 9/23 vs. Florida International 12 W 2-0 9/24 vs. Colgate 12 W ^1-0 9/28 Maryland W 3-1 9/30 Boston College W /4 Princeton L ^2-3 10/7 vs. North Carolina St. 10 L /8 vs. Virginia 10 L /11 Rutgers L 1-2 Colgate W 2-1 Monmouth L /20 Dayton L /22 George Mason L 0-1 La Salle W /25 St. John s W /29 Providence W (7-8-2) Head Coach Don Paxson 8/31 Colgate L ^1-2 Maryland L 0-1 Holy Cross W ^3-2 Providence L 0-1 9/11 La Salle W 4-0 Lafayette W 7-0 St. John s W 2-1 9/19 Stony Brook W 3-0 UMBC T ^^1-1 William & Mary L 1-3 9/30 Canisius W /6 vs. Virginia 10 L /7 vs. Texas A&M 10 L 0-2 Rutgers L /17 Monmouth W 1-0 George Mason T ^^0-0 10/26 Princeton L (9-7-2) Head Coach Don Paxson North Carolina St. L 0-5 Duke L 0-1 La Salle W 1-0 Lafayette W 5-0 9/14 St. John s W 2-0 9/17 Penn W 4-0 9/21 Providence L 0-1 9/26 Maryland W ^5-1 Buffalo State W 6-1 Colgate T ^^2-2 10/2 Bucknell W 5-1 Stony Brook T ^^1-1 10/9 Rutgers L /12 vs. U. of Central Florida 10 L /13 vs. American 10 W 2-0 Monmouth L 2-3 William & Mary L 1-4 Princeton W (5-12-3) Head Coach Shelly Chamberlain 9/6 George Mason L 1-3 9/10 La Salle W 4-2 North Carolina St. L 0-3 UNC-Greensboro L 0-5 Penn W 1-0 Providence L 1-5 Boston College L 0-2 9/23 Lafayette W 4-2 St. John s L 2-4 Bucknell T ^^1-1 10/1 Temple T ^^3-3 10/3 vs. St. Bonaventure 12 W 1-0 Stony Brook 12 T ^^0-0 Rutgers L 0-5 Maryland L /11 vs. Virginia 10 L /15 Monmouth L /21 Princeton L ^0-1 10/24 Colgate L /28 Stony Brook W (12-9-0) Head Coach Shelly Chamberlain James Madison L 0-6 George Mason L 1-3 Temple W 2-1 9/15 Penn W 2-1 9/18 Boston College L 1-3 9/19 Providence L ^1-2 Lafayette W 5-1 9/25 St. John s W 3-1 9/29 Bucknell W /1 Delaware W /3 American L ^3-4 10/6 Rutgers L 1-5 Princeton W 2-0 Colgate L /17 vs. Vermont W ^5-3 10/20 at La Salle W /23 vs. George Washington 8 W 3-2 Virginia 8 L 2-3 Stony Brook W /2 Lehigh W /6 vs. Connecticut 13 L (11-6-1) Head Coach Shelly Chamberlain Navy W 3-0 Loyola W 3-0 9/7 Temple W 3-0 Boston College* L 1-5 Penn W 3-2 9/17 Providence* L ^1-2 Penn State L 0-1 9/24 Georgetown* W 7-0 Delaware T ^^1-1 St. John s* L 1-3 American W /12 Princeton W /16 James Madison L 1-3 Connecticut* L 0-6 Seton Hall* W /27 Stony Brook W /29 La Salle W 6-0 Rutgers W (11-6-2, Big East) Head Coach Shelly Chamberlain George Mason W ^3-2 Temple T ^^0-0 Boston College* L 1-2 9/13 Penn W ^2-1 St. John s* W 1-0 9/23 Providence* W 6-2 9/27 Seton Hall* W 3-1 Georgetown* W /4 Rutgers* T ^^3-3 10/7 Delaware W 1-0 Princeton L 0-2 James Madison L /19 Notre Dame* L 0-2 Connecticut* L 0-5 Florida International W ^4-3 Florida Atlantic W 5-0 La Salle W 2-0 Connecticut 13 L 1-3 Page 23

24 1996 (8-11-1, Big East) Head Coach Shelly Chamberlain 9/4 James Madison L ^0-1 9/7 Boston College* L 1-2 9/10 Georgetown* W 3-0 9/13 vs. George Washington 8 W 4-3 Virginia 8 L 0-6 Penn State L 0-4 9/20 vs. Wake Forest 14 L 1-5 9/21 vs. Maine 14 W 2-1 Seton Hall* W 3-0 9/29 Connecticut* L 1-3 Rutgers* L /6 St. John s* W 4-0 Delaware L /11 Syracuse* W 2-0 Penn T ^^1-1 10/19 George Mason L 3-4 Providence* W /30 West Virginia* W 4-2 Notre Dame* L 1-10 Notre Dame 13 L (8-8-2, Big East) Head Coach Ann Clifton George Mason L 0-3 Navy L 0-1 Wake Forest 15 L 0-2 9/7 vs. High Point 15 W 6-0 9/14 Penn State W 2-1 9/17 Seton Hall* L 0-3 Georgetown* W 3-2 9/24 Delaware T ^^2-2 9/26 Pittsburgh* W 6-0 9/28 Notre Dame* L 0-4 Connecticut* L 0-3 St. John s* W /11 Syracuse* W 1-0 West Virginia* T ^^0-0 Providence* W 6-0 Boston College* W /1 Rutgers* L /7 vs. Notre Dame 13 L (9-9-2, Big East) Head Coach Ann Clifton Seton Hall* L 1-4 9/5 St. John s* W 3-1 Delaware W ^2-1 9/12 West Virginia* L 1-2 Lehigh W 4-1 Pittsburgh* L 0-1 Notre Dame* L 0-5 9/23 Columbia T ^^1-1 9/26 Temple W ^^2-1 Rutgers* T ^^1-1 Hawaii L /3 vs. UCLA 16 L /10 Tulane W ^^2-1 10/16 Boston College* W /18 Providence* W 3-0 Syracuse* L 1-2 Cornell W /27 Connecticut* L /31 Georgetown* W ^1-0 Connecticut 13 L (14-8-0, Big East) Head Coach Ann Clifton 8/28 Syracuse W 2-1 9/1 St. Francis (Pa.) W 5-0 9/8 La Salle W 4-1 YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS 9/10 vs. Brown 16 W 3-1 9/12 vs. Northeastern 16 W 2-0 9/17 vs. Richmond 17 L 0-1 James Madison 17 L 2-5 Columbia W 3-2 9/24 West Virginia* W 1-0 9/26 Pittsburgh* W 2-0 Rutgers* W 2-1 Wisconsin-Milwaukee W 1-0 Notre Dame* L 0-4 Georgetown* W /13 Seton Hall* L 0-1 Providence L 0-1 Boston College L /24 Lehigh W 4-0 Fairfield L /2 Boston College 13 L ^^1-2 11/13 vs. Cornell 2 W /14 vs. St. John s 2 W (11-8-0, Big East) Head Coach Ann Clifton La Salle L 0-1 9/1 Fairfield W ^2-1 9/3 Manhattan W 5-0 UMBC W 2-1 St. John s W 1-0 Cal-Santa Barbara W 2-0 Pepperdine L 0-3 9/20 Connecticut L 0-3 9/24 Mount St. Mary s W 2-0 Seton Hall* L 0-1 West Virginia* L 0-1 Pittsburgh* L ^^2-3 10/4 Rutgers* W /8 Notre Dame* L /11 Georgetown* W /13 Miami L /18 Bucknell W ^2-1 10/21 St. Francis (Pa.) W 3-0 Penn W (13-6-3, Big East) Head Coach Ann Clifton 8/31 St. Bonaventure W 6-0 Manhattan T ^^1-1 9/7 Marist W 4-0 9/9 UMBC W 5-2 Virginia Tech W 2-0 Notre Dame* L ^1-2 Butler W 1-0 Georgetown* L 1-2 9/28 Robert Morris W /3 Seton Hall* W /5 Pittsburgh* W /7 West Virginia* T ^^1-1 Rutgers* T ^^0-0 10/14 Navy W 4-0 Princeton L /19 Boston College W /21 Providence L 0-1 Syracuse W 2-1 George Mason W 2-1 Connecticut 13 L /16 vs. Penn 18 W 2-0 Penn State 18 L (14-2-5, Big East) Head Coach Ann Clifton 8/31 George Mason W 3-1 Lehigh W 2-0 9/6 La Salle W ^^1-0 Connecticut T ^^1-1 Towson W 1-0 Navy T ^^0-0 Pittsburgh* W ^2-1 West Virginia* L 0-1 9/25 Rutgers* T ^^0-0 9/27 Notre Dame* W 2-1 9/29 Saint Joseph s W ^2-1 10/2 Georgetown* W 2-1 Florida International W 2-0 Miami W /20 St. John s T ^^1-1 Seton Hall* W /27 Howard W /29 Mount St. Mary s W /3 Boston College 13 W 1-0 Connecticut 13 L /15 Yale 18 T ^^ (PK) 2003 (15-5-5, Big East) Head Coach Ann Clifton 8/29 Lehigh W ^1-0 8/31 Rider W 2-0 9/5 vs. Old Dominion 19 W 2-0 North Carolina St. 19 W 1-0 9/11 Syracuse W 3-2 9/14 Virginia Tech W 2-1 Providence W 2-0 Boston College L 0-1 9/24 Seton Hall* W ^1-0 9/26 vs. Colgate 20 W 1-0 9/28 vs. North Carolina 20 L 0-3 Georgetown* W 2-0 Notre Dame* L ^0-1 George Mason L 0-1 Rutgers* L /19 West Virginia* T ^^0-0 10/22 Penn W /26 Pittsburgh* W /28 Loyola (Md.) W 3-0 Connecticut 13 W /7 vs. West Virginia 13 T ^^ (PK) 11/9 vs. Boston College 13 T ^^ (PK) 11/14 vs. Princeton 18 W 2-1 Virginia 18 T ^^ (PK) 11/22 BYU 18 T ^^ (PK) 2004 (14-6-2, Big East) Head Coach Ann Clifton Coll. of Charleston 21 W 4-2 Loyola (Md.) W 1-0 9/3 Saint Joseph s W 2-0 9/5 Bucknell W 3-0 9/10 vs. Princeton 22 L 0-1 Penn 22 W ^^2-1 Boston College* W 1-0 9/19 Towson W 2-0 West Virginia* W 1-0 Seton Hall* W /1 Rutgers* L 0-2 St. John s* L /8 Notre Dame* L /10 Providence* W /15 Georgetown* T ^^1-1 10/17 Connecticut* L 0-3 Page 24 Youngstown State W 3-0 Pittsburgh* W 3-1 West Virginia 13 W 1-0 Connecticut 13 T ^^ (PK) 11/12 vs. Yale 18 W 2-1 Princeton 18 L ^^ (10-5-4, Big East) Head Coach Ann Clifton 8/26 La Salle W 1-0 8/28 Saint Joseph s L 1-2 Georgetown* T ^^1-1 9/2 Lehigh L 0-1 9/4 Vermont W 7-1 Maryland 23 W 2-0 9/11 vs. Cal-Santa Barbara 23 L 1-2 9/16 vs. Arizona State 24 T ^^1-1 9/18 vs. Minnesota 24 W 1-0 Seton Hall* W 1-0 9/25 Rutgers* W 1-0 Syracuse* T ^^1-1 St. John s* T ^^0-0 10/7 Cincinnati* W /9 Louisville* W ^3-2 10/16 Pittsburgh* W 1-0 Notre Dame* L 0-4 DePaul* W /30 West Virginia 13 L 2-4 Overall History Keys * Big East Conference Game ^ Overtime game ^^ Double overtime ^^^ Triple overtime # Forfeit Away games vs. Neutral games Italics Postseason Bold Postseason Home Game Tournament Codes 1 George Mason Tournament (1983) 2 ECAC Tournament ( ) 3 Univ. of Connecticut Tournament ( ) 4 Rochester Tournament (1984) 5 Adelphi Tournament (1984) 6 George Washington Tournament (1985) 7 Providence Tournament (1985) 8 Univ. of Virginia Tournament ( ) 9 Villanova Tournament ( ) 10 WAGS Tournament ( ) 11 Holy Cross Tournament (1988) 12 Stony Brook Tournament ( ) 13 Big East Tournament ( ) 14 Rutgers Classic (1996) 15 Wake Forest Nike Invitational (1997) 16 ECAC Cape Cod Tournament (1999) 17 James Madison Invite (1999) 18 NCAA Tournament ( ) 19 N.C. State Invite (2003) 20 U.S. Naval Academy Classic (2003) 21 Coll. of Charleston Tournament (2004) 22 Univ. of Pennsylvania Tournament (2004) 23 Maryland/adidas Classic (2005) 24 adidas/hypertherm Classic (2005)

25 ALL-TIME RESULTS Year Record Pct. Big East Place Postseason ECAC Tournament ECAC Tournament ECAC Champions Big East Semifinals th Big East Semifinals th Big East Semifinals th Big East Semifinals th Big East Quarterfinals nd/Mid-Atl. Big East Quarterfinals ECAC Champions th/Mid-Atl th/Mid-Atl. Big East Tournament NCAA Second Round nd/Mid-Atl. Big East Tournament NCAA First Round T-3rd/Mid-Atl. Big East Champions NCAA Sweet T-5th Big East Semifinals NCAA Second Round nd/Division B Big East Quarterfinals Totals TEAM RECORDS Single-Game Records Goals 13 vs. La Salle on September 17, 1986 Assists 8 vs. Howard on October 27, 2002 Points 30 vs. Howard on October 27, 2002 Shots 53 vs. UNC-Asheville on September 26, 1987 Goalie Saves 25 vs. Connecticut on September 13, 1987 Goals Allowed 10 vs. Notre Dame on November 3, 1996 Longest Game 3 overtimes vs. Hartford on November 3, 1987 Single-Season Records Goals Assists Points Shots Goalie Saves Goals Allowed Shutouts Games Played Wins Winning Percentage.786 (14-2-5) 2002 Losses Fewest Wins Fewest Losses Miscellaneous Records Winning Streak 7 Games 2003 Undefeated Streak 11 Games 2002 Losing Streak 6 Games 1983, 1992 Ties , 2003 Overtime Games VILLANOVA RECORD BOOK Page 25 INDIVIDUAL RECORDS Single-Game Records Goals 5 Ann Brennan vs. Penn (9/29/83) Assists 4 Annie Kempf vs. Penn (9/29/83) Points 10 Ann Brennan vs. Penn (9/29/83) Shots 10 Beth McMahon vs. UNC-Asheville (9/26/87) Jean Hajjar vs. UNC-Asheville (9/26/87) Goalie Saves 25 Lynn McHale vs. Connecticut (9/13/87) Single-Season Records Games Played tied (2003) Games Started 25 Six tied (2003) Goals 23 Cathy Ford (1984) Assists 10 Three tied Points 54 Cathy Ford (1984) Shots 83 Laura Johnson (2004) Game-Winning Goals 7 Cathy Ford (1984) Goalie Minutes 2360:27 Chrissy Dolan (2003) Saves 187 Danielle Fagan (1992) Save Percentage.922 Chrissy Dolan (2002) Goals-Against Average 0.46 Chrissy Dolan (2003) Shutouts 16 Chrissy Dolan (2003) Victories 15 Chrissy Dolan (2003) Winning Percentage.786 (14-2-5) Chrissy Dolan (2003) Career Records Games Played 90 Laura Johnson ( ) Regina Villari ( ) Games Started 88 Michelle Biehl ( ) Goals 45 Ann Brennan ( ) Assists 28 Laura Johnson ( ) Points 115 Ann Brennan ( ) Shots 275 Laura Johnson ( ) Game-Winning Goals 14 Ann Brennan ( ) Cathy Ford ( ) Goalie Minutes 6684:21 Janel Schillig ( ) Saves 530 Janel Schillig ( ) Save Percentage.909 Chrissy Dolan ( ) Goals-Against Average 0.50 Chrissy Dolan ( ) Shutouts 29 Chrissy Dolan ( ) Victories 39 Janel Schillig ( ) Winning Percentage.760 ( ) Chrissy Dolan ( ) VILLANOVA WOMEN S SOCCER...THE EARLY YEARS Prior to its first varsity season in 1983, the Villanova women s soccer program was a club sport from The team had a record of (.597) during the club years, including a combined mark of (.768) in , the two most recent seasons before the Wildcats became a varsity sport. Some of the top Villanova women s soccer standouts began their careers while the team was still a club sport, including Cathy Ford ( ) and Sue Onnembo ( ). Cathy Ford Career Highlights Totaled 62 goals, 30 assists and 154 points during her career Member of the final club team in 1982, scoring 19 goals and totaling 42 points Ranks in program s top five in four different offensive categories, despite having just three seasons at the varsity level Sue Onnembo Career Highlights Logged more than 5,000 minutes in the net between Owned an.861 save percentage, 22 shutouts and 39 victories during her career Played two seasons at the varsity level, logging more than 2,600 minutes Ranks fourth in program history in career winning percentage

26 CAREER LEADERS Games Played 1. Laura Johnson Regina Villari Erica Stewart Michelle Biehl Patricia Misciagna Games Started 1. Michelle Biehl Jennifer Carrigan Laura Johnson Julie Battista Patricia Misciagna Goals 1. Ann Brennan Cathy Ford Jean Hajjar Laura Johnson Maura McGhee Rachel Moreau Assists 1. Laura Johnson Tina Conti Cathy Ford Ann Brennan Lauren Sellers Tina Conti was a standout on the Wildcats fron line from She ranks second in program history with 27 career assists. Points 1. Ann Brennan Cathy Ford Laura Johnson Jean Hajjar Tina Conti Shots 1. Laura Johnson Jean Hajjar Jeannine McLees Tina Conti Beth McMahon Game-Winning Goals 1. Ann Brennan Cathy Ford Laura Johnson Lindsey Finnegan present Jean Hajjar Marci Micek Quinn Sellers INDIVIDUAL CAREER AND SINGLE-SEASON LEADERS Goalie Minutes 1. Janel Schillig 6684: Karen Del Sarto 6041: Lynn McHale 5649: Chrissy Dolan 5087: Jeanne Hennessy 4824: Saves 1. Janel Schillig Karen Del Sarto Jeanne Hennessy Lynn McHale Chrissy Dolan Save Percentage 1. Chrissy Dolan Janel Schillig Lynn McHale Karen Del Sarto Jillian Loyden present Goals-Against Average 1. Chrissy Dolan Jillian Loyden present 3. Lynn McHale Janel Schillig Karen Del Sarto Shutouts 1. Chrissy Dolan Janel Schillig Lynn McHale Jillian Loyden present 5. Jeanne Hennessy Victories 1. Janel Schillig Lynn McHale Chrissy Dolan Karen Del Sarto Jeanne Hennessy Winning Percentage 1. Chrissy Dolan.760 ( ) Jillian Loyden.641 ( ) 2004-present 3. Lynn McHale.639 ( ) Sue Onnembo.603 ( ) Janel Schillig.569 ( ) SINGLE-SEASON LEADERS Games Played tied Games Started 1. Six tied Goals 1. Cathy Ford Cathy Ford Ann Brennan Jean Hajjar Jean Hajjar Assists 1. Ann Brennan Cathy Ford Marcy Micek Five tied 9 Points 1. Cathy Ford Cathy Ford Ann Brennan Ann Brennan Jean Hajjar Shots 1. Laura Johnson Jean Hajjar Laura Johnson Laura Johnson Lauren Sellers Game-Winning Goals 1. Cathy Ford Five tied 6 Quinn Sellers notched a total of 10 game-winning goals during her career on the Main Line. Goalie Minutes 1. Chrissy Dolan 2360: Jillian Loyden 1982: Chrissy Dolan 1959: Janel Schillig 1959: Danielle Fagan 1920: Saves 1. Danielle Fagan Janel Schillig Jeanne Hennessy Janel Schillig Shannon Gann Save Percentage 1. Chrissy Dolan Chrissy Dolan Karen Del Sarto Janel Schillig Janel Schillig Goals-Against Average 1. Chrissy Dolan Chrissy Dolan Janel Schillig Jillian Loyden Karen Del Sarto Shutouts 1. Chrissy Dolan Chrissy Dolan Jillian Loyden Janel Schillig Three tied 7 Victories 1. Chrissy Dolan Chrissy Dolan Jillian Loyden Janel Schillig Lynn McHale Winning Percentage 1. Chrissy Dolan.786 (14-2-5) Lynn McHale.711 (12-4-3) Chrissy Dolan.700 (15-5-5) Jillian Loyden.682 (14-6-2) Diana Anes.679 (9-4-1) 1994 Page 26

27 BIG EAST TOURNAMENT (11 Appearances, 7 Semifinal Appearances, 1 Championship) POSTSEASON AND TOURNAMENT HISTORY NCAA TOURNAMENT (4 Appearances) 1993 (#4 Seed) Semifinals - vs. #1 Connecticut (L, 0-3) 1995 (#4 Seed) Semifinals - vs. #1 Connecticut (L, 1-3) 1996 (#4 Seed) Semifinals - vs. #1 Notre Dame (L, 0-7) 1997 (#4 Seed) Semifinals - vs. #1 Notre Dame (L, 0-7) 1998 (#4 Seed) Semifinals - vs. #1 Connecticut (L, 0-5) 1999 (#2 Seed/Mid-Atlantic Division) Quarterfinals - vs. #3 (Northeast) Boston College (L, 1-2, 2ot) 2001 (#4 Seed/Mid-Atlantic Division) Quarterfinals - vs. #1 (Northeast) Connecticut (L, 0-1) 2001 (at Penn State) First Round - vs. Penn (W, 2-0) Second Round - vs. #10 Penn State (L, 0-3) 2002 (at Villanova) First Round - vs. Yale (T, 0-0, eliminated on penalty kicks) 2003 (at Virginia, third round at Villanova) First Round - vs. Princeton (W, 2-1) Second Round - vs. Virginia (T, 0-0, advanced 4-2 on penalty kicks) Sweet 16 - vs. BYU (T, 0-0, eliminated 3-5 on penalty kicks) 2004 (at Princeton) First Round - vs. Yale (W, 2-1) Second Round - vs. #7 Princeton (L, 0-1) All-Time Record: (.563) 2002 (#2 Seed/Mid-Atlantic Division) Quarterfinals - vs. #3 (Northeast) Boston College (W, 1-0) Semifinals - vs. #1 (Northeast) Connecticut (L, 0-3) 2003 (#4 Seed/Mid-Atlantic Division) Quarterfinals - vs. #1 (Northest) Connecticut (W, 1-0) Semifinals - vs. #2 (Mid-Atlantic) West Virginia (T, 0-0, advanced 5-4 on penalty kicks) Championship - vs. #2 (Northeast) Boston College (T, 1-1, advanced 7-6 on penalty kicks) 2004 (#6 Seed) Quarterfinals - vs. #3 West Virginia (W, 1-0) Semifinals - vs. #2 Connecticut (T, 1-1, eliminated 1-3 on penalty kicks) 2005 (#2 Seed/Division B) Quarterfinals - vs. #3 (Division A) West Virginia (L, 2-4) All-Time Record: (.300) 1983 (hosted by Villanova) Semifinals - vs. Vermont (L, 0-2) Consolation - vs. Colgate (W, 2-0) ECAC TOURNAMENT (4 Appearances, 2 Championships) Laura Johnson scored three career goals in the NCAA Tournament, including both tallies in a 2-1 win over Yale in the first round of the 2004 tournament (hosted by Colgate) Semifinals - vs. Colgate (L, 0-1) 1987 (hosted by Hartford) Semifinals - vs. Monmouth (W, 3-0) Championship - vs. Hartford (W, 3-2, 3OT) MVP: Ann Beirne 1999 (hosted by Yale) Semifinals - vs. Cornell (W, 2-0) Championship - vs. St. John s (W, 1-0) MVP: Lauren Sellers All-Time Record: (.714) DID YOU KNOW? Michelle Biehl, Laura Johnson and Regina Villari are the only three Wildcats who have played in all eight of the program s NCAA Tournament games. Ann Beirne was the MVP of the 1987 ECAC Tournament as Villanova recorded its first-ever postseason tournament title. During her career, Beirne was the Wildcats first NSCAA All-Region selection in 1986, and she earned allregion accolades a total of three times during her career. Page 27

28 ALL-TIME SERIES RECORDS/COACHING HISTORY Adelphi American Arizona State Barry Boston College Brown Bucknell Buffalo State Butler University BYU Cal-Santa Barbara Canisius Central Florida Cincinnati Colgate College of Charleston Columbia Connecticut Cornell Dayton Delaware DePaul Dickinson Duke Fairfield Florida Atlantic Florida International Franklin & Marshall George Mason Georgetown George Washington Hartford Harvard Hawaii High Point Holy Cross Howard James Madison Kean College Lafayette La Salle Lehigh Louisville Loyola (Md.) Maine Manhattan College Manhattanville Marist College Maryland Mary Washington Mercer CC Miami (Fla.) Minnesota Monmouth Mt. St. Mary's Navy New Hampshire Niagra North Carolina North Carolina Ashville North Carolina Greensboro North Carolina State Northeastern Notre Dame Old Dominion Penn State Univ. of Pennsylvania Pepperdine Pittsburgh Princeton Providence Radford Rhode Island Richmond Rider Robert Morris Rochester Rutgers Saint Joseph's Scranton Seton Hall Slippery Rock St. Bonaventure St. Francis St. John's SUNY Stony Brook Swarthmore Syracuse Temple Texas A&M Towson Tulane UCLA UMBC Vermont Virginia Virginia Tech Wake Forest West Chester Westfield State West Virginia William & Mary Wisconsin-Milwaukee Yale Youngstown State COMING SOON TO THE MAIN LINE Villanova s Tentative 2007 Schedule Date Opponent Place Aug. 31 Lafayette Villanova, Pa. Sept. 2 Va. Commonwealth Villanova, Pa. Sept. 7 Princeton Princeton, N.J. Sept. 9 Robert Morris Villanova, Pa. Sept. 11 St. Peter s Villanova, Pa. Sept. 14 Lehigh Bethlehem, Pa. Sept. 16 Temple Villanova, Pa. Sept. 21 Georgetown Washington, D.C. Sept. 23 Penn Villanova, Pa. Sept. 28 Rutgers Villanova, Pa. Sept. 30 Seton Hall S. Orange, N.J. Oct. 5 Marquette Milwaukee, Wisc. Oct. 7 South Florida Tampa, Fla. Oct. 12 DePaul Chicago, Ill. Oct. 14 Notre Dame South Bend, Ind. Oct. 19 Pittsburgh Villanova, Pa. Oct. 21 West Virginia Villanova, Pa. Oct. 26 Louisville Villanova, Pa. Oct. 28 Cincinnati Villanova, Pa. VILLANOVA COACHING HISTORY Name Years Record Pct. Lee Stevens 1983 (1) Ann Clifton 1997-present (9) Don Paxson (8) Shelly Chamberlain (5) Note: Lee Stevens also served as the Wildcats head coach from during the team s classification as a club sport. His career record prior to Villanova becoming a varsity sport was (.613) between DID YOU KNOW? Ann Clifton became the Wildcats all-time winningest head coach on September 11, 2003 when Villanova defeated Syracuse by a score of 3-2. More recently, Clifton earned her 100th career victory with a 7-1 triumph over Vermont on September 4, Page 28

29 HONORS AND AWARDS NSCAA ALL-AMERICANS 1988 Ann Beirne Second Team 1990 Tina Conti Second Team 1995 Allison Maue Third Team Rose Marie Miller Third Team 2002 Michelle Biehl Third Team 2003 Michelle Biehl Third Team NSCAA ALL-REGION HONORS 1986 Ann Beirne First Team (All-Northeast) 1987 Ann Beirne First Team (All-Northeast) 1988 Ann Beirne First Team (All-Northeast) Jeanine McLees Second Team (All-Northeast) 1989 Tina Conti First Team (All-Northeast) 1990 Tina Conti First Team (All-Northeast) 1997 Maura McGhee Third Team (All-Mid Atlantic) 2001 Michelle Biehl Third Team (All-Mid Atlantic) 2002 Michelle Biehl First Team (All-Mid Atlantic) Laura Johnson Second Team (All-Mid Atlantic) 2003 Michelle Biehl First Team (All-Mid Atlantic) Laura Koch Second Team (All-Mid Atlantic) Chrissy Dolan Third Team (All-Mid Atlantic) Laura Johnson Third Team (All-Mid Atlantic) 2004 Laura Koch First Team (All-Mid Atlantic) Michelle Biehl Second Team (All-Mid Atlantic) Laura Johnson Second Team (All-Mid Atlantic) Jillian Loyden Second Team (All-Mid Atlantic) 2005 Laura Koch First Team (All-Mid Atlantic) Jillian Loyden Second Team (All-Mid Atlantic) BIG EAST POST-SEASON HONORS 1995 Allison Maue First Team 1996 Maura McGhee First Team Kara Stanislawczyk Second Team Briar MacAdams All-Rookie Team 1997 Maura McGhee First Team Beth McCaffery Second Team 1998 Janel Schillig All-Rookie Team Keri Lages All-Rookie Team 1999 Janel Schillig Big East Goalkeeper of the Year, First Team Kristin Dunst All-Rookie Team 2001 Janel Schillig Second Team Quinn Sellers Second Team Michelle Biehl All-Rookie Team Laura Johnson All-Rookie Team 2002 Laura Johnson First Team Michelle Biehl Second Team 2003 Michelle Biehl Second Team Jamie Weist All-Rookie Team Laura Koch Big East Championship Most Outstanding Defender 2004 Laura Johnson First Team Michelle Biehl Second Team Laura Koch Third Team Jillian Loyden Third Team 2005 Jillian Loyden Big East Goalkeeper of the Year, First Team Laura Koch Second Team SOCCER BUZZ AWARDS 1997 Maura McGhee All-Mid Atlantic Second Team 1998 Janel Schillig All-Mid Atlantic Freshman Team 1999 Lauren Sellers All-Mid Atlantic Third Team Kristin Dunst All-Mid Atlantic Freshman Team 2001 Michelle Biehl Freshman All-America Second Team All-Mid Atlantic Second Team All-Mid Atlantic Freshman Team Janel Schillig All-Mid Atlantic Second Team 2002 Michelle Biehl All-America Honorable Mention All-Mid Atlantic First Team Chrissy Dolan All-Mid Atlantic Second Team Laura Johnson All-Mid Atlantic Second Team 2003 Michelle Biehl All-America Second Team All-Mid Atlantic First Team Laura Koch All-Mid Atlantic First Team Chrissy Dolan All-Mid Atlantic Third Team Laura Johnson All-Mid Atlantic Third Team Jamie Weist All-Mid Atlantic Freshman Team 2004 Michelle Biehl All-Mid Atlantic First Team Laura Koch All-Mid Atlantic First Team Laura Johnson All-Mid Atlantic Second Team Jillian Loyden All-Mid Atlantic Second Team Kayce Blandford All-Mid Atlantic Freshman Team Melissa Murowski All-Mid Atlantic Freshman Team 2005 Laura Koch All-Mid Atlantic Third Team BIG EAST ACADEMIC ALL-STARS 1993 Sarah Levendusky, Rose Miller 1994 Sarah Levendusky, Rose Miller, Debbie Pickrel 1995 Diana Anes, Jessica Baratta, Molly Bushman, Allison Maue, Beth McCaffery, Maura McGhee, Rose Miller, Erin O Toole, Debbie Pickrel, Amy Poplawski, Stephanie Shields, Kara Stanislawcyzk 1996 Diana Anes, Jessica Baratta, Molly Bushman, Allison Maue, Beth McCaffery, Maura McGhee, Kelly McGrady, Kathryn Minnich, Erin O Toole, Debbie Pickrel, Erica Rauchut, Erin Ross, Stephanie Shields, Kara Stanislawcyzk 1997 Diana Anes, Jessica Baratta, Ann Marie Fallow, Briar MacAdams, Beth McCaffery, Maura McGhee, Kelly McGrady, Kathryn Minnich, Erin O Toole, Erica Rauchut, Stephanie Shields 1998 Jessica Baratta, Meaghan Frawley, Susan Lubbers, Briar MacAdams, Gretchen Miller, Kathy Minnich, Dyane Noonan, Erin O Toole, Erica Rauchut 1999 Kristin Borchard, Jennifer Carrigan, Kristin Dunst, Meaghan Frawley, Claire Letourneau, Susan Lubbers, Briar MacAdams, Stephanie Martell, Gretchen Miller, Kathy Minnich, Cary Morrell, Dyane Noonan, Erica Rauchut, Janel Schillig, Angela Scialdone, Lauren Sellers 2000 Julie Battista, Jennifer Carrigan, Jill DiBerardino, Chrissy Dolan, Kristin Dunst, Janessa Jeltema, Candice MacDonald, Stephanie Martell, Cary Morrell, Dyane Noonan, Janel Schillig, Angela Scialdone, Kelly Stewart 2001 Julie Battista, Jennifer Carrigan, Jill DiBerardino, Kristin Dunst, Janessa Jeltema, Laura Johnson, Patricia Misciagna, Carolyn Morrell, Dyane Noonan, Janel Schillig, Angela Scialdone, Katherine Shesgreen, Sara Stern 2002 Julie Battista, Kristin Borchard, Kelly Breslin, Jennifer Carrigan, Chrissy Dolan, Kristin Dunst, Janessa Jeltema, Laura Johnson, Laura Koch, Cary Morrell, Christy Schillig, Sara Stern 2003 Kelly Breslin, Chrissy Dolan, Megan Farmer, Janessa Jeltema, Laura Johnson, Laura Koch, Candice MacDonald, Patricia Misciagna 2004 Kelly Breslin, Amanda Chuda, Jamie Doehler, Megan Farmer, Kaley Guthrie, Laura Johnson, Laura Koch, Nicole Mabery, Patricia Misciagna, Melissa Murowski, Regina Villari 2005 Kristin Anderson, Kelly Breslin, Nicole Coia, Megan Farmer, Lindsey Finnegan, Valerie Grow, Kaley Guthrie, Leann Kania, Laura Koch, Patricia Misciagna, Melissa Murowski, Laura Sylvester TEAM ACADEMIC AWARDS 1998 NSCAA Team Academic Award 1999 NSCAA Team Academic Award 2000 NSCAA Team Academic Award 2001 NSCAA Team Academic Award 2002 NSCAA Team Academic Award 2002 Sister Mary Margaret Cribben Award (Highest Villanova Team GPA) 2003 NSCAA Team Academic Award COSIDA ACADEMIC AWARDS 1987 Lynn McHale GTE District II Academic All-America Team 2001 Dyane Noonan Verizon District II All-Academic Team Verizon Academic All-America Second Team 2004 Laura Johnson ESPN The Magazine District II All-Academic First Team BIG EAST SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD 1997 Beth McCaffery 2001 Janel Schillig 2002 Julie Battista Page 29

30 ATHLETICS FACILITIES VILLANOVA SOCCER COMPLEX Among the newer athletic facilities on campus is the West Campus Soccer Complex, located behind St. Mary s Hall. Completed in 1992, the complex is home to the men s and women s soccer programs. The soccer field was recently re-sodded to make it a top-notch facility in the region. New bleachers were added to the complex in 1999 to increase the stadium capacity to 1,500, while brand new locker rooms adjacent to the field were completed in the fall of Additionally, the West Campus complex includes a state-of-the-art weight room for use by the men s and women s soccer programs. THE JOHN JAKE NEVIN FIELD HOUSE Officially opened on April 1, 1932 as the Villanova Field House, the Field House was renamed to honor long-time Wildcat athletic trainer John Jake Nevin on November 22, Once the home of both the Wildcat men s and women s basketball teams, the building is currently home to the women s volleyball squad, as well as administrative offices and training facilities. Originally built at a cost of $350,000, the field house has hosted Villanova s commencement exercises, numerous high school commencements, as well as concerts, lectures, funerals, masses, dances and plays. THE PAVILION Officially opened in February 1986, The Pavilion is the current home of the Wildcat men s and women s basketball teams. With a seating capacity of 6,500, the Pavilion also has hosted commencements, receptions, banquets, dances and concerts since its opening. Also included in The Pavilion is a 200-meter indoor track, tennis courts and batting cages for the baseball and softball teams. VILLANOVA STADIUM, GOODREAU FIELD & THE JUMBO ELLIOTT TRACK Dedicated on October 8, 1927, and built at a cost of $500,000, numerous improvements and additions have been made to the original home of the Wildcats since then. The structure is officially known as Villanova Stadium and seats 12,000 spectators. It has hosted football, field hockey, men s and women s lacrosse, men s and women s soccer, and international track meets, as well as commencements and other functions. The playing field was dedicated to the memory of Leo J. Goodreau, a football player who died due to injuries in practice, on May 7, On September 27, 1980, the running track was dedicated to Villanova s legendary track & field coach, James Jumbo Elliott. In the summer of 1992, new surfaces were placed on the playing field (Astroturf-8) and track (Rekortan S). During the summer of 1997, state-of-the-art lights were installed, improving the quality of all Wildcat night contests. In the summer of 1999, a Stadium Renovation project took place with the addition of a press facility that includes a 100-person meeting room for all athletic department members to utilize, along with a first-class facility for all media members to use. The stadium playing field currently features a synthetic grass surface known as AstroPlay. The new surface was used for game competition by both the men s and women s lacrosse teams and for practice by the Wildcat football squad beginning in the spring of ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM Villanova s Jake Nevin Field House features a full-service athletic training room. The facility contains state-of-the-art equipment specifically for the treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. This facility now contains 2,200 square feet of training space. All advanced treatment and rehabilitation is performed under the supervision of four full-time National Athletic Training Association Certified personnel. In the cases requiring physical therapy needs, or subspecialized medical evaluation, outside consultants are utilized. WEIGHT TRAINING & CONDITIONING FACILITIES Villanova University offers one main weight training & conditioning facility underneath Villanova Stadium for all Wildcat student-athletes. Recently, the weight room was renovated to a 5,900 square foot training center with weight training and cardiovascular machines. There are also other weight training and conditioning facilities for the general Villanova University community on the South Campus and the West Campus. The South Campus facility was also renovated in the summer of 1998 to fit the needs of the general student body. ACADEMIC SUPPORT CENTER Located within the Jake Nevin Field House is the Villanova Athletic Support Center. Working in conjunction with Dr. Dan Regan, Villanova s Academic Advisor for Athletics, Associate Director of Academic Support Amy Miller administers the daily operations of this full-service facility. In addition to monitoring the academic progress of all Wildcat student-athletes, the center includes work space for student-athletes and computer workstations with word-processing and laserjet printers for use by student-athletes. Also, various computer programs are offered, such as a resumé writing program. ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER The Villanova Department of Athletics expanded Academic Support s domain into the newly renovated stadium. With the addition of a new infrastructure during the summer of 1999, the department s new Academic Resource Center was formed. The benefits of the ARC include: Improved efficiency of academic support services to student-athletes. Expansion and consolidation of several academic resources, such as freshmen-mentoring and tutoring programs. Ability to offer a more personally tailored academic support system to those student-athletes in need. The ARC includes: Private and semi-private tutoring areas. Computer equipped study hall housing 20 laptop computers. Increased space for freshmen-mentoring. Conference area for lectures and study hall. West Campus Soccer Complex Weight Room on West Campus Page 30

31 VILLANOVA S TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE VILLANOVA HAS 16 NCAA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS TO ITS CREDIT Men s Cross Country: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1970 All four teams coached by James Jumbo Elliott. Women s Cross Country: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1998; coached by Marty Stern; 1994 coached by John Marshall; 1998 coached by Marcus O Sullivan Men s Indoor Track and Field: 1968, 1971, 1979 All three teams coached by James Jumbo Elliott. Men s Outdoor Track and Field: 1957 Coached by James Jumbo Elliott. Men s Basketball: 1985 Coached by Rollie Massimino. OTHER VILLANOVA TEAM TITLES WILDCAT NIT CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM Men s Basketball: Coached by Steve Lappas WILDCAT BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS Baseball (regular season titles): 1988, 1993, 1996 (National Division title) Baseball (Tournament titles): 1989, 1991 Men s Basketball (regular season titles): , (tied), (tied), , (tied) Men s Basketball (Tournament titles): 1995 Women s Basketball (regular season titles): , , Women s Basketball (Tournament titles): 1986, 1987, Men s Cross Country: 1983, 1993, 2002 Women s Cross Country: 1984, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1998 Field Hockey: 1990 Golf: 1985, 1990 Men s Swimming & Diving: 1981, 1993 Women s Swimming & Diving: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 Men s Indoor Track & Field: 1983, 1985, 1986 Women s Indoor Track & Field: 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1997, 2000 Men s Outdoor Track & Field: 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 Women s Outdoor Track & Field: 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1997, 2000 Women s Soccer: 2003 Villanova University joined the Big East Conference in men s sports in the academic year. The Big East Conference added women s sports in the academic year. The women s soccer team captured its first Big East title in WILDCAT ECAC/IC4A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS ECAC = Eastern College Athletic Conference IC4A = Intercollegiate Association of Amateur Athletes of America Men s Cross Country (IC4A): 1962, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1996 Men s Indoor Track (IC4A): 1957, 1958, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1974, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986 Men s Outdoor Track (IC4A): 1957, 1958, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1978, 1979, 1984 Women s Cross Country (ECAC): 1982, 1984, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996 Women s Indoor Track (ECAC): 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990 Women s Softball (ECAC): 1996 Women s Soccer (ECAC): 1987, 1999 WILDCAT YANKEE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL TEAMS Villanova joined the football-only Yankee Conference in Co-Champions: 1989, Both teams coached by Andy Talley. WILDCAT ATLANTIC 10 CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL TEAMS Champions: 1997, Coached by Andy Talley In the men s basketball team had one of its most successful seasons ever, winning a program-record 28 games and advancing to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since Among the milestone victories of the season was a victory over top-ranked Connecticut on February 13 at the Wachovia Center. Page 31

32 In , the BIG EAST will be in its second year as the nation's largest Division I-A conference. The first year with 16 members was wrought with curiosity among those in the world of collegiate athletics and in the media, but the league thrived in its new alignment, enjoying significant success in the athletic arenas, on the playing fields and in the classroom. The goals of the BIG EAST have remained constant throughout its history -- to compete at the highest level and to do so with integrity and sportsmanship. In men's basketball last year, BIG EAST squads secured a league-record eight NCAA bids. Seven BIG EAST women's basketball teams earned NCAA berths. In football, West Virginia garnered the attention of the college football world with its victory over Georgia in the Nokia Sugar Bowl. The Mountaineers were the BIG EAST's representative in the Bowl Championship Series. BIG EAST CONFERENCE Any successful organization needs outstanding leadership. Michael Tranghese, the league s first full-time employee, and for 11 years the associate to Dave Gavitt, moved into the Commissioner s chair in In his first year, he administered the formation of The BIG EAST Football Conference. The league has long been considered a leader in innovative concepts in promotion and publicity, particularly regarding television. Those efforts have resulted in unparalleled visibility for BIG EAST student athletes. The conference has enjoyed long-standing relationships with CBS, ESPN, Inc. and ABC. While BIG EAST basketball games are regular sellouts at campus and major public arenas, including the annual men's BIG EAST Championship in Madison Square Garden, attendance figures also are significant at BIG EAST soccer, women s basketball and baseball games. In , the BIG EAST welcomed five new members to increase its membership to 16: University of Cincinnati, DePaul University, University of Louisville, Marquette University and the University of South Florida. Some were ready to call the new BIG EAST alignment too unwieldy, but the league showed that there can be strength in numbers even when that number is a large one. BIG EAST institutions reside in nine of the nation's top 34 largest media markets, including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Tampa, Pittsburgh, Hartford, Milwaukee and Cincinnati. With its newest members, BIG EAST markets will contain almost one fourth of all television households in the U.S. Since opening its doors in 1979, the league has won 25 national championships in six different sports and 124 student-athletes have won individual national titles. In , Providence College's Mary Cullen won the NCAA 5,000-meters crown. Also, the Villanova women's cross country team was named the NCAA's Silver Anniversary Cross Country Program. The Wildcats have won seven NCAA team titles since Former Wildcat standout Carole Zajac was named the top individual performer of the women's cross country era. The BIG EAST has always been able to boast that some of its best students are also some of its best athletes. More than 350 student-athletes have earned Academic All-America honors. Last year, West Virginia's Joe Herber was named the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American of the Year in men's basketball. The BIG EAST has continued its basketball success in the 21st century. In , Connecticut became the first school in NCAA history to win the men's and women's NCAA titles in the same season. With the Syracuse men and the UConn women grabbing NCAA crowns the previous year, the BIG EAST became the first conference in NCAA history to win the men's and women's titles in consecutive seasons. In fact, the BIG EAST has won five of the last seven women's basketball crowns and three of the last eight men's titles. More than 550 BIG EAST athletes have earned All America recognition and dozens have won individual NCAA national championships. The BIG EAST has been well represented in U.S. or foreign national and Olympic teams. Several athletes earned gold medals in each of the last five summer Olympiads. The BIG EAST has its headquarters in Providence where the conference administers to more than 5,500 athletes in 23 sports. VILLANOVA WOMEN S SOCCER IN THE BIG EAST Outstanding Regular Season Record Villanova s all-time regular season record in the BIG EAST Conference is a sparkling Since the league began to play a regular season schedule in 1995, the Wildcats have had a winning record against league competition eight times in 11 years. Postseason Tournament Success The Wildcats have earned a berth in the BIG EAST Tournament 11 times in the 13-year history of the event. That includes seven trips to the semifinals and the program s first Big East title in History Lesson The BIG EAST held a postseason tournament for the first time in the 1993 season. A regular season conference schedule began in Villanova s first regular season Big East game was against Boston College on September 9, Moving proactively has been a consistent strategy for the conference that was formed in The BIG EAST has continually turned challenges into opportunities to become stronger. In the spring of 2001, the BIG EAST added women s lacrosse and rowing to its growing list of sports. The inaugural women s golf championship was held in the spring of The BIG EAST became a reality on May 31, 1979, following a meeting of athletic directors from Providence College, St. John s, Georgetown and Syracuse Universities. Seton Hall, Connecticut and Boston College completed the original seven school alliance. While the membership has both increased and changed, the focus of the BIG EAST has not wavered. The conference reflects a tradition of broad based programs, led by administrators and coaches who place a constant emphasis on academic integrity. The BIG EAST Conference has enjoyed a leadership role nationally. Its student athletes own significantly high graduation rates and their record of scholastic achievement notably show a balance between intercollegiate athletics and academics. Laura Koch (left) was named the Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the Big East Tournament in That season, the team celebrates (right) the program s first-ever conference title. Page 32