Feb. 11, 2005

VILLANOVA, Pa.--The Villanova women's water polo squad was picked to finish second in the 2005 MAAC Water Polo standings, earning 31 points in the preseason poll, just two points less than Wagner, which was chosen to win the conference crown.

"I am excited (about being ranked second). The ranking shows us that we have a little harder to work and we are not taking anything for granted," Head coach Paige Cull stated.

"We know that Wagner is always going to be a tough team and it is going to be an exciting year."

In addition to earning a second place ranking in the preseason poll, Villanova also found three of its players on the Preseason All-MAAC Team. Junior driver Kim Pare (Grand Rapids, Mich.), senior utility Ellen Howe (San Diego, Calif.), and junior goalie Jess Wells (Newport Beach, Calif.) earned spots on the preseason team for their outstanding performances throughout the 2004 season.

"I'm really excited that Kim, Ellen and Jess are ranked among the best in the conference. It is a testament to how well we performed last year to have three All-MAAC Team members. They are among good company with the other girls chosen," Cull said.

Pare, who led the 2004 squad in points (77 goals, 21 assists), was named Second Team All-MAAC at the conclusion of the season. Howe contributed 48 goals and 44 assists and was named to the MAAC Championship All-Tournament Team last season. Wells amassed 154 saves on the season for a save percentage of 55. Wells was also a member of the All-MAAC Second Team following the 2004 season.

Iona earned third place on the preseason poll, garnering 24 points. Marist, Saint Francis (NY) and Siena finished fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively.

Wagner's Courtney Crase was selected as the Preseason Player of the Year. Crase finished the 2004 season with 48 goals and nine assists. The Wildcats finished the 2004 season 12-18 overall and 3-2 in conference play. They finished third in the conference, losing to Wagner in the tournament semifinals. Cull was also named Co-Coach of the Year.

Villanova kicks off its 2005 season on Saturday, Feb. 12 when it heads to Princeton, N.J. to face Princeton, George Washington, Harvard and Wagner.