Nov. 11, 2002

VILLANOVA, PA. - The Villanova women's soccer team earned its second consecutive NCAA Tournament berth when the 2002 NCAA Tournament brackets were announced on Monday, Nov. 11. The Wildcats will host first and second round games at the Villanova Soccer Complex on Friday & Sunday, Nov. 15 and 17.

This marks the first time in program history that Villanova has earned the right to host an NCAA Tournament game. The Wildcats will take on Yale in the NCAA Tournament first round on Friday, Nov. 15 at 11:00 a.m. The other first round contest matches the University of Nebraska against the University of Hartford on Friday at 1:30 p.m. The winners of the NCAA first round games will play on Sunday afternoon in the second round at 1:00 p.m.

"This is what we have worked all season for," said Villanova head coach Ann Clifton. "To get a home game, so that people can come out and support us. We are tough to beat at home."

Villanova finished the season with a school record tying 14 victories posting an overall record of 14-2-4 and a 4-1-1 Big East Conference Mid-Atlantic Division mark. The Wildcats earned the No. 2 seed in the Big East Mid-Atlantic Division and by doing so earned a home Big East Quarterfinal game where they defeated Boston College 1-0. The `Cats fell to No. 9 Connecticut in the Big East Semifinals, but advanced further in the conference tournament than they ever had in the program's history.

Villanova has risen up the national rankings earning the program's highest ever ranking of 14th in last week's Soccer America Poll. The `Cats are currently ranked 20th by both Soccer America and Soccer Buzz Magazine.

"Our seniors have been a source of great leadership," added Clifton. "But we also have a great supporting cast - a strong group of individuals that have done a lot to help us get to this point. This NCAA berth, and having the chance to host, really puts us on the map."

"We knew we were going to make the tournament based on what we had done this year, but we were shocked and surprised to host," said senior co-captain Julie Battista. "It is just another accomplishment for our team. We hope to add to the list."

"This is a good way to start our path to the sweet 16," said senior co-captain Jennifer Carrigan. "Hosting was a hopeful goal and a pleasant surprise."