Jan. 11, 2002

VILLANOVA, PA. - On Thursday, Jan. 10, Soccer Buzz Magazine released its 2001 postseason award winners. Two Villanova University women's soccer players received honors by Soccer Buzz. Redshirt Freshman Michelle Biehl received three different distinctions, including Freshman All-America second team honors, All-Mid Atlantic Region second team accolades, and Mid-Atlantic Region All-Freshmen Team status. Senior goalkeeper Janel Schillig was also awarded by Soccer Buzz, receiving All-Mid Atlantic Region second team honors.

A redshirt freshman defender, Biehl had a tremendous 2001 campaign for Villanova earning Big East All-Rookie team honors and leading the Wildcats to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

After missing the entire 2000 season with a torn ACL, Biehl returned in top form in 2001. She helped lead Villanova to a 13-6-3 overall record and the program's first berth in the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats advanced to the NCAA second round after defeating the University of Pennsylvania, 2-0, in the tournament's first round at State College, Pa. Villanova's season came to an end in the second round with a 3-0 loss to nationally ranked Penn State.

Biehl finished the 2001 season with one goal and five assists for seven points. She was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Week twice during the regular season and also received Soccer Buzz Elite Feet National Team of the Week accolades twice and Soccer America National Team of the Week honors one time.

Schillig wound down her Wildcat career in fine fashion this season as she led Villanova to a 13-6-3 record and the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament berth. The `Cats defeated the University of Pennsylvania, 2-0, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament before falling to nationally ranked Penn State, 3-0, in the tournament's second round.

The 1999 Big East Conference Goalkeeper of the Year as well as an All-Conference first team selection, Schillig finished her career in 2001 with arguably her finest season to date. She had a 10-6-2 record with seven shutouts, recording a .886 save percentage and a 0.71 goals against average. She was ranked among the NCAA leaders in goals against average and had the Wildcats among the national leaders in shutout percentage (11 shutouts in 22 games). Schillig was named to the All-Big East Conference second team for her play this season.

Schillig leaves Villanova as one of the top goalkeepers to ever wear the blue and white. She holds the school record for saves in a season (181 in 1999), and best goals against average in a season (0.71 in 2001). Schillig is also first in career save percentage (.861) and second in career saves (530), career goals against average (1.16) and second in career wins (39).