September 1, 1998
After beginning the season 2-4 just one year ago, the Villanova women's soccer team came together under first year head coach Ann Clifton to finish the year 6-4-2 in their last dozen games. With this turnaround, the Wildcats posted an 8-8-2 overall record and a 6-4-1 Big East mark to place them in the conference tournament for the third-consecutive season. In 1998, Clifton and the 'Cats return the core of their team and will look to pick up right where they left off. Behind a talented group of returners and a strong recruiting class, the 1998 Wildcats will try to make a run at the Big East Conference crown.
Forward Villanova is extremely talented at the forward position, returning every starter from last season. They will be led at forward by senior Amy Poplawski and juniors Lauren Sellers and Kathy Minnich, who each had breakthrough sophomore years in 1997. Sellers finished second on the team in scoring with 21 points on seven goals and seven assists last season, while Minnich tallied 16 points (7 goals and 2 assists) and came alive in crucial situations to lead the team with three game-winning goals.
Providing depth to the Wildcats at forward are sophomores Kelly Stewart and Alica Nalevanko, who each made major contributions off the bench in their rookie seasons. Top newcomers Keri Lages from Bayville, N.J., and Angela Scialdone from Mendham, N.J., will be looked upon to make immediate contributions.
Midfield
From her midfield position, senior co-captain Maura McGhee gives the Wildcats their greatest scoring punch. McGhee was a Regional All-American and a first team All-Big East selection in 1997, finishing first on the team in both total points (26) and goals (11). Joining her in the midfield are juniors Erica Rauchut and Briar MacAdams. Adding depth to the midfield are senior Erin O'Toole and sophomore Ashley Joyce, who will also see key minutes off the bench for Clifton. Wildcat newcomers to the midfield are freshmen Sarah Rowland and Gretchen Miller. Rowland, from Glen Ellyn, Ill. and Glenbard West High School, was selected to the 1996 Region II Olympic Development Team.
Defense
The strength of the defense may depend on when Beth McCaffery can return from a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained during the spring season. McCaffery was the team's most consistent defender in 1997, as she received All-Big East second team honors. Another key piece to the Wildcat defense is senior co-captain Jessica Baratta, who was one of only two Villanova players to start every game last season. Starting next to McCaffery and Barratta will be sophomore Justina Smith, who had a tremendous freshman season last year for the Wildcats. Starting in 15 games, Smith was a force on defense in addition to tallying three assists on the offensive side of the ball. Sophomore Stephanie Schmucker, who impressed the coaching staff during spring workouts, will see major minutes at the back position.
The Wildcat defense is loaded with new young talent, as five freshman arrive on the Main Line looking to contribute. Jessica Painchud, named Middlesex Player-of-the-Year, should make an immediate impact for the Wildcats. Janine Rollins from Kings Park, N.Y., and Smithtown High School was a member of the Under 17 National Champions Northport/Cow Harbor Pirhanas Soccer Team. Both have all the tools to mark some of the best forwards the Big East has to offer. Alyson Smith, hailing from New Jersey, will be adding depth to the 1998 Wildcat squad. Smith, a regional All-American, was a starter on four-straight state championship teams. Heather Ebert and Dyane Noonan will also add depth on defense for Clifton.
Goalie
Jeanne Hennessy returns for her final season after a tremendous junior campaign one year ago. The Big East's Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 27, Hennessy tallied an .860 save percentage and a 1.83 goals against average. She also had an 8-8-2 record in 1997, compiling five shutouts on the season. The Wildcats will bring in two freshmen goaltenders in 1998 to back up Hennessy. Janel Schillig from Cherokee High School in Marlton, N.J, and Susan Lubbers from Emmaus High School in Emmaus, Pa. will compete for the right to back up the incumbent Hennessy.
A Look Ahead
After a exceptional spring season, 1998 looks to be a promising year for the Villanova women's soccer team. Under second year head coach Ann Clifton, the Wildcats have the ability and the confidence to surpass the accomplishments of one season ago.
"We have evolved to the point where we don't have set goals, and instead have things just expected of us," said Ann Clifton. "Five hundred is five hundred and we don't want to be there. Ours goals should always be to win the Big East and to earn an NCAA Tournemant bid." Possessing a tremendous group of upperclassmen, while adding a highly tauted rookie class, they Wildcats expect to give the conference's elite a run for the Big East crown in 1998.
