Villanova University

Feb. 17, 2002

On Saturday, February 16, in the opening day of the Princeton Invitational, the Villanova women's water polo team opened up the 2002 season dropping matches to Slippery Rock, 8-5, and Indiana, 14-6. With the two losses, the Wildcats drop to 0-2 on the season.

After falling behind 0-1 in the first quarter, the Wildcats opened up the second quarter with two consecutive goals by freshman Ellen Howe and senior Erin Agee. The one goal lead was the last for the 'Cats as Slippery Rock struck for five straight goals to take a commanding 6-2 lead with just over one minute remaining in the third quarter. Trailing 6-3 entering the fourth, the Wildcats could not get any closer as Slippery Rock tied the Wildcats 2-2 in the final stanza.

For the match, Villanova was led by Howe who netted three goals, one assist and one steal. Agee also chipped in with two goals and two steals in the losing effort. In the net for the Wildcats, senior Carly Sproul made four saves.

In the afternoon match versus the No. 16 nationally ranked Hoosiers, Indiana jumped out to an early 4-0 advantage and would never trail in the match. The Wildcats bounced back in the second scoring three of the next four goals. The 'Cats would go into intermission trailing 5-3. The Hoosiers came out strong however to control the second half of the match scoring four third quarter goals and would eventually go on for the 14-6 victory.

In the match, Howe continued her impressive offensive play tallying two goals and an assist for Villanova. Scoring the Wildcats other four goals on the day was Agee with two, Mabry and junior Maria Greshock.

Villanova will return to action tomorrow afternoon when they square off against Brown University at noon in the second day of the Princeton Invitational.