May 3, 2004

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - At the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championships this past weekend at Marist College, the league announced its 2004 All-Conference Team, All-Academic Team and All-Tournament Team. The Villanova Wildcats were well-represented, placing four on the All-MAAC Second Team as well as earning Co-Coach of the Year; seven on the New York Lottery All-Academic Team; and one on the All-Tournament Team.

Senior Katherine Kidde, junior Ellen Howe and sophomores Kim Pare and Jess Wells were voted Second Team All-MAAC. Kidde has been a model of consistency as one of the VU captains, while Howe has been among the team leaders in a number of categories throughout the year. Pare was 'Nova's top offensive threat all season, and Wells emerged as the top goalkeeper on the squad.

First-year head coach Paige Cull was recognized for her work in turning around the program. Cull joined Wagner's Aaron Cavagnolo as Co-Coach of the Year after leading the Wildcats to a 3-2 conference record this season.

Howe, Pare and Wells were also among the seven 'Cats cited for academic excellence by the league. To be eligible for the All-Academic Team, student-athletes must complete two semesters at their institution, be a significant starter or reserve and hold a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 on a 4.0 scale.

Joining Howe, Pare and Wells were Aimee Corsiglia, Denise Hanes, Sarah Oberhauser and Jenny Rosick.

For Ellen Howe, a junior utility from San Diego, Calif., the accolades did not stop there. She was one of six players named to the All-Tournament Team after scoring three goals in two games.

Villanova finished the year with a 12-18 record after coming in third at the MAAC Championships, defeating Marist (9-5) after falling to Iona (6-4). The Gaels were this year's tournament champions thanks to a 3-2 victory over Wagner in the title game.