Feb. 12, 2001

Like most new coaches, Shannon O'Neil wasn't sure quite what she had inherited after assuming command of the Villanova Wildcats last spring.

"I had followed the team's results on the internet," said O'Neil, a 1997 Villanova graduate and former assistant coach to Joanie Milhous. "I saw that the team hadn't won a lot and I knew that it was very young. I didn't know what to expect.

"When we started practicing in the fall, I was struck by the talent level. It is very high. Joanie did a fantastic job of bringing talented athletes into the program. I was so pleasantly surprised by what is in place here.

"Now, we have to work on taking things up a notch."

In the past two seasons, Villanova won a total of six games, three in 1999, three more in 2000. The payoff for those struggles could come in the future, though, as the mistakes of youth are erased by maturity and skill.

"This is the closest team I've ever been a part of, either as a player or a coach," said O'Neil. "We have the widest range in the spectrum of personalities and that's great. They are all so close and it's nice to see that the freshmen have been drawn into that.

"I think some of the tough times this team has been through in the past may have drawn them closer together. It's something that should help us."

Villanova returns 87 percent of its goal scoring output and nine starters. Only forward Molly O'Connor (17 goals) and ace defender Katie Craig (1 goal, 22 groundballs) have been subtracted from the lineup.

On the attack, the Wildcats will call on a gifted collection of young veterans.

Julie Feddeman, a senior who spent most of last season in the midfield, now looms as an important part of the attack. The native of Potomac, Md., enjoyed her best offensive season last year with 10 goals and three assists. O'Neil hopes to capitalize on her scoring touch by making more use of her in the attack zone.

"Julie has a great shot and it's important that we take advantage of it," said O'Neil.

Joining Feddeman up front is sophomore Caitlin Cocks. The sophomore from Northport, N.Y., played a pivotal role as a rookie. She led the team in assists (16) and also collected nine goals. Her 25 points were tops among Villanova's newcomers.

"One of the things that I like about Caitlin is that she possesses a hard, quick shot that is difficult to defend," said O'Neil. "We want to utilize her down low."

Two other sophomores also will play prominent roles in the offensive end of the field.

Jackie Higgins hopes to build on her 14 goal effort as a rookie in 2000. She started all 16 contests last year for the `Cats and also was credited with 25 groundballs.

"We plan to use Jackie on the wing in the midfield where she will be an important part of the attack," O'Neil stated. "Her stick skills are outstanding."

Also in the scoring mix on the wing is Meghan Carolan. Carolan was a pleasant surprise as a rookie in 2000, starting the final 10 games of the campaign after beginning the year as a reserve. She scored 14 goals, tied with Higgins for the top spot among Wildcat newcomers.

"In the fall training period Meghan scored the majority of our goals," noted O'Neil. "We want to get her into scoring position as much as possible."

The potency of Villanova's sophomores in the offensive end of the field is illustrated by this point: the quartet of Cocks, Higgins, Elizabeth Firth and Carolan combined for 46 goals and 28 assists.

"We have an excellent core of sophomores," said O'Neil.

The midfield will be anchored by a pair of stalwarts who have logged many minutes for the Wildcats over the course of the past two seasons.

Junior Sarah DePeters was a second-team all-Patriot League selection in 2000. The native of Rochester, N.Y. (Irondequoit High School) was Villanova's top point producer with 27 goals, eight assists and 35 points. She also paced the squad in groundballs with 31.

"Sarah had a terrific sophomore year and she will spearhead our attack in the midfield, along with Cecily Pierce," noted O'Neil.

The other half of Villanova's midfield tandem is Pierce, a product of New Canaan, Conn. Despite missing four games due to injury last year, Pierce generated 47 shots and scored 20 goals to go with three assists.

"Cecily has excellent speed and stickwork and will be a big part of what we are trying to do in the midfield," said O'Neil.

Sophomore Firth also factors into the midfield mix. She scored nine goals and added six assists as a freshman.

"Elizabeth is a natural lefthander and we want to utilize both her offensive and defensive skills," said O'Neil.

Also in the midfield mix is senior Terri Overturf of Havertown, Pa. Overturf has started every one of the 40 collegiate games she has played at Villanova and last season produced eight goals.

"Terri brings experience and speed to the defensive midfield for us," said O'Neil.

The last line of defense for Villanova may be a bit shy of experience. The only veteran with major game experience is junior Jane Stuart, who started all 16 games last season.

"Jane is quiet by nature but she knows what she is doing back there," said O'Neil.

Sophomore Lauren Dachille played in 12 games as a freshman and started four times.

"Lauren understands how to use her body to gain position and she will defintely help us," said O'Neil.

O'Neil can also call on sophomore Devon O'Donnell. Look for freshman Lauren Ferrara to play a major defensive role as well.

"I believe Lauren will develop into one of the best defenders we have," said O'Neil.

Also available is freshman Kelly Colan, a native of Fairfax, Va.

O'Neil also is looking for contributions from other newcomers as well. Katie Mannix is a native of Maryland who will be in the mix for minutes in the midfield. Freshman Elizabeth Earl hopes to press for opportunities on the attack along with classmate Rachel Damalouji. Megan Sullivan is another threat to earn time as a midfielder.

In goal, sophomore Kelly O'Leary returns after playing all but four minutes of her freshman season. The sophomore posted a 12.78 goals against average and made 141 saves.

Freshman Brandy Greneir hopes to press O'Leary in net.

As you might expect, O'Neil is eager to begin the new season.

"(Assistant coach) Michele Baylor and I spent a lot of time in the fall working with this team on its mental approach," O'Neil said. "It is important that we have the right attitude as we go forward and I think we do.

"The Patriot League is hosting its first tournament this year. Four teams will make it and we would very much like to be one of those teams."

O'Neil hopes these Wildcats can surprise the rest of the Patriot League in the same fashion they did her.