Dec. 12, 2001

PENNSAUKEN, N.J. - In the 34th annual All-South Jersey Banquet hosted by the South Jersey Soccer Coaches Association in Pennsauken, N.J., Villanova University senior goalkeeper Janel Schillig (Marlton, N.J./ Cherokee High School) was named the SJSCA College Player of the Year.

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).