February 28, 1999

Orlando, Fla. --- Villanova University head softball coach Maria DiBernardi won her 300th career game as the head of the Wildcat program with a 10-4 victory over Providence College Sunday in Orlando. DiBernardi, a native of Downingtown, Pa., is now 301-269-3 lifetime at Villanova, including a 17-2 win against St.Francis College(Pa.) in the team's second game of the day.

In the Providence game, junior second baseman Megan O'Leary (Natick, Mass.) broke open a 1-0 game with a 4th inning grand slam to put 'Nova ahead 5-0. Wildcat pitching standout Carrie Walpole (Jr., Miami, Fla.) received credit for the win with four strikeouts in four strong innings of work to go 1-0 on the young season. O'Leary, who moved into sole possession of second place on Villanova's career homerun list, was a huge factor again in the St. Francis game, smashing two more long balls and driving in six to lead Villanova to a 2-0 record on the first day of the season. Other notables on the day included pitcher Keri Stoller (So., West Linn, Oregon) picking up the winning decision against St. Francis, and junior centerfielder Mia Brickhouse who was 7-for-8 hitting on the day to go along with two stolen bases.

Although the Wildcat players certainly performed very well on the afternoon, the day still belonged to DiBernardi, who is in her 15th season as head coach at Villanova. She was understandably happy with her coaching accomplishment, but she spoke more about those that have helped her along the way to her sustained success, including 13th-year assistant coach Linda Goss:

"It's great to be able to achieve this coaching milestone, but it really means that I've been here for a long time and that I have a lot of people to thank. I couldn't have done this without the support of Linda and my family - they've enabled me to continue coaching for 15 years. They pushed me to stick with coaching and give it a chance, even after struggling for victories in my first two years at Villanova. I also have to credit Mary Anne Dowling [Villanova Associate Athletic Director] as someone who's made my success possible, and who has always helped and supported me greatly through the years."

DiBernardi was also sure to thank all of the players who have driven in the countless numbers of runs and struck out hundreds of opposing batters for her Wildcats:

"I certainly have to thank all of the players who I have had the pleasure of coaching. We ask a lot of our athletes. You have to remember that we're not even a fully funded program, and for them to give the time and effort that it takes to play a Division I sport is truly remarkable. They have always been very self-motivated, and my players have always seemed to push each other to get better and succeed. I never could have done this without their commitment."

Next up for the 'Cats will be St John's University at 10:45am and the University of Maine at 2:15pm, with both games being played on Monday.

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