Oct. 4, 2007

Complete Weekend Game Notes

VILLANOVA, Pa.-- One of only three undefeated teams in the entire nation, Villanova (7-0-4) heads on the road this weekend to play games against Marquette and the University of South Florida. The Wildcats are currently in the midst of a five-game stretch of games away from home and will be playing their first inter-division games of the year in the BIG EAST schedule.

This weekend marks the first regular season trip for Villanova to both schools, although the Wildcats did visit Marquette last season for a BIG EAST Tournament quarterfinal game. Sunday's game against USF will mark the first-ever meeting between Villanova and the Bulls in women's soccer.

The Wildcats are coming off consecutive ties last weekend in league games against Rutgers (0-0) and Seton Hall (1-1). The two goals in the game against the Pirates came in a span of just 42 seconds early in the second half. Seton Hall took the lead at 52:01 only to see the Wildcats tie it moments later on the third goal of the season from senior Kaley Guthrie (Ogdensburg, N.J.).

The typically strong Villanova defense currently ranks among the nation's best in both goals-against average and save percentage. Senior goalkeeper Jillian Loyden (Vineland, N.J.) ranks seventh in the country with a 0.28 goals-against average and is sixth with a .932 save percentage.

Offensively, the Wildcats are led by senior forward Nikki Mabery (Phoenix, Ariz.), who has registered team highs of five goals and 13 points. Mabery currently ranks fifth all-time at Villanova with 29 career goals and sixth with 71 career points.

Live coverage of both games this weekend can be accessed online at the websites of either school. Marquette (www.gomarquette.com) and USF (www.gousfbulls.com) will each provide live stats during the game, and links will be available at www.villanova.com as well.

Click on the PDF link at the top of this release to access complete game notes for the weekend.