Villanova University

April 25, 2001

Villanova steps into postseason action in the first-ever Patriot League Tournament on Saturday. The Wildcats qualified last Saturday by defeating Colgate 12-9 at Villanova Stadium. A loss to the Red Raiders would have left the `Cats out of this event.

The Wildcats earned the No. 2 seed in the tournament by virtue of their 10-7 victory over Holy Cross on March 24. Both teams finished the year with 3-2 records in the league play.

In the preseason poll, Villanova was picked to finish last in the league. Villanova doubled its overall win total this season after winning three games in both 1999 and 2000. Prior to the 2001 campaign, Villanova was 2-8 in league play since joining the Patriot League in 1999...

There are many ways to measure Villanova's improvement under first year head coach Shannon O'Neil. But a pair of statistical comparisons illustrate the point.

In 2000, Villanova surrendered 207 goals in 16 games (12.9 per game). This spring the Wildcats have allowed 170 goals (10.63 per game) in the same amount of games.

Last season, the Wildcats generated 132 goals (8.25 per outing). This season, VU put 155 goals (9.69 per game) on the scoreboard...

Villanova was 2-1 in regular season play against the other qualifiers for the Patriot League Tournament. In addition to its win over Holy Cross, the Wildcats defeated Colgate and dropped a 9-8 decision to Lafayette on March 15 at Villanova Stadium.

Junior Cecily Pierce led the Wildcats to the win over the Crusaders with three goals. Sophomore Meghan Carolan and junior Sarah DePeters each scored two goals in the game...

Pierce was recognized as Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week on April 23. Her four goals led the `Cats past Colgate...

Carolan finished as the Patriot League leader in groundballs with 71. She ranked third in the nation in that category. With seven groundballs this weekend Carolan could tie the Villanova school record in that department. Erin Dullea established that mark in 1995...

The Wildcats appear fortified for the future. Only one probable starter this weekend - Julie Feddeman - is a senior.