March 22, 2004

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. - The Villanova women's water polo team won three of four games over the weekend at Iona College, defeating St. Francis (N.Y.), Siena and NYU and falling to Iona, improving the Wildcats' record on the year to 5-10. 'Nova received goals from 11 different players over the four-game span.

Villanova used its solid team defense throughout the weekend, allowing just 18 goals in four games. The 'Cats are now 3-2 in MAAC play, which means Villanova has clinched a berth in the league championships for the second consecutive season.

The Wildcats opened the weekend against St. Francis, with Ellen Howe's four goals leading the way to a 7-5 victory. Jess Wells made seven saves and held the Terriers scoreless in the third period in a winning effort.

Defensively, Kim Pare had five steals, the most in a single game for the Wildcats this season. Villanova and St. Francis will meet again on April 6 at Villanova.

In the second game on Saturday, Villanova got its most balanced effort of the season, as eight Wildcats scored in a 15-3 rout of Siena. Wells and Denise Hanes shared the goalkeeping duties, combining for eight saves.

Aimee Corsiglia, Brynn Rooney, Taylor Schrang, Nicole Sherry, Kate Sparveri, Gina Thorp, Danielle Hanson and Jenny Rosick all scored for 'Nova. In addition to a goal, Rosick contributed three assists, two steals and one ejection drawn. Thorp's two goals were the first of the season for the sophomore, while Schrang, a freshman, recorded her first goals as a collegian.

Sunday featured another doubleheader for head coach Paige Cull's squad, beginning with a match up against No. 10 Iona. The Wildcats and Gaels were tied at five late in the third period, but Iona pulled away for an 8-5 win, as the 'Cats dropped to 0-3 against ranked opponents in 2004.

Villanova wound down its weekend with an 8-2 victory over New York University. Wells, who was outstanding all weekend, made nine saves while holding NYU scoreless in the second half. Kim Pare scored three goals for the Wildcats.

Villanova will host its first game of 2004 on Friday, March 26. The Wildcats and Maryland will play at 8:00 p.m. In the first meeting of the year between the schools, Villanova emerged with a 9-3 win.