Villanova University

Feb. 20, 2006

Box Score

BALTIMORE, Md. - The Chagan Era started with a win, Sunday, as the Wildcats beat the Howard University Bison 13-8 in Baltimore, Md. Sophomore Stevie McFadden led Villanova with five goals and three assists on a day where three starters were out with injuries including starting goalkeeper, Jessica Brozena.

"I'm so happy for our team," said first-year coach Jebb Chagan. "We had contributions from the entire roster which is just terrific."

The Bison jumped out to a early lead scoring four goals in the first few minutes but Villanova began chipping away at the deficit making the score 7-5 at the half. Finally in the second stanza the Wildcats were able to close the gap and come out with the victory.

The Wildcat scoring was spread out between nine players. McFadden led with her career-high five goals and three assists, while freshman Shannon Sullivan added two goals. Fellow freshman Taylor Lucy also registered her first collegiate goal and assist on the day. Midfielder Kathleen Kelly tied McFadden and Christina Bahrs in assists with three as well as finding the back of the net once. Rounding out the scoring for the Wildcats was Alex Garvey (1 goal, 2 assists), Tricia Magnuson (1 goal), Jamie Schneider (1 goal, 2 assists) and Becky Gardner (1 goal).

Howard had two players score multiple goals. Midfielder Iram Abdullah had two as well as four shots and freshman attack Sakita Holley also registered two goals with nine shots.

Villanova notched 20 ground balls and 25 shots to Howard's 22 and 29. Sophomore `keeper Lauren Latchford stopped fifteen shots and got the win for the Wildcats.

Chagan was most impressed with the way the team handled themselves after being down in the beginning of the game.

"It would have been really easy for them to not trust in the system or themselves, but they bought into the team concept and kept plugging away at it. That really shows their character and growth."

The Wildcats will travel to Connecticut to play Fairfield on Saturday at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 1st is the home opener at Villanova Stadium against La Salle. The game is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.