May 5, 2004

VILLANOVA, PA. -

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Today's Game: No. 14 Villanova welcomes No. 19 Delaware to the Main Line for tonight's Colonial Athletic Association semifinal game. The Wildcats are winners of four straight and stand at 11-2 overall, while Delaware is coming off a 15-9 defeat of Denver and is 10-5 this season.

The Series: Since turning into a varsity program in 1982, Villanova has been perfect in all three meetings against the Blue Hens, including a 12-4 decision earlier this season. Delaware is one of 10 teams that the Wildcats are unbeaten against in varsity history.

First Timers: Tonight's game is the first home playoff game in the history of the men's lacrosse program. Villanova met Hofstra in the 2003 semifinals in Hempstead, New York.

Home Sweet Home: Villanova wrapped up a perfect home season with an 11-9 win over Penn State on Friday. The Wildcats finished 8-0 at home this season and have not lost on the Main Line since a 13-10 loss to Towson on April 12, 2003.

Stellar Season: Sophomore Brendan O'Donnell has doubled his point production from his rookie season when he totaled 12 goals and four assists. The attacker has become the Wildcats' set-up man and leads the CAA with 23 assists to go along with 11 goals.

Moving on Up: The Wildcats continued their climb up the national rankings this week, reaching No. 14 in the USILA poll. Three places higher than the previous week, this marks the highest ranking the team has achieved in program history.

Number 300: Villanova head coach Randy Marks will be coaching in his 300th collegiate game tonight against Delaware. Marks is 166-133 during his 22 seasons on the Main Line.

Scoring Starker: Sophomore Matt Starker has become a scoring sensation in his brief stint on the Main Line. He has registered a point in 24 of 28 career games and owns a 15-game scoring streak dating back to April 26, 2003. Starker sits third on the 'Cats with 20 goals and has dished eight assists this season.

One for the Records: With the victory against Penn State on Friday, Villanova tied the record for most wins in a season with 11. The 1984 team owns the best mark in program history with an 11-1 showing.