Nov. 6, 2000
The Villanova Wildcats enter the 2000-2001 season hoping to build on the experience they gained throughout the 1999-2000 campaign. Last season, Villanova managed to register a 15-15 overall record and earn a berth in the WNIT despite losing two starters to injury and starting three freshmen the second half of the season. With seven letterwinners and three starters back, hopes are high on the Main Line for 2000-2001.
Head coach Harry Perretta and the Wildcats will benefit this season from the return of fifth-year senior guard Lauren Pellicane and junior guard Mimi Riley. Pellicane suffered a torn ACL in practice on January 20 and missed the final 15 games of the year. She is expected to be back in action for the 'Cats in early December. Riley injured her right foot in the team's first exhibition game last November and missed all but three games. With Riley and Pellicane injured, three Villanova freshmen including Katie Davis, Nicole Druckenmiller and Trish Juhline were forced to play quality minutes for the Wildcats last season. With a year of experience under their belt, Davis, Druckenmiller and Juhline should be key contributors this season.
"We really went through a lot of adversity last season. Not only did we have injuries, but the players that got injured were two of our more experienced players," said Perretta. "I think last season helped our young kids gain some valuable experience. Hopefully, we can use last year as a stepping stone for this season."
GUARDS:
The point guard position looks to be occupied by junior Mimi Riley (Bala Cynwyd, Pa.). A savvy player with great basketball instincts, Riley will provide the Wildcats with a physical presence at the guard spot. One of the team's most versatile performers, Riley will also see time at forward for Villanova. With Lauren Pellicane (Deer Park, N.Y.) not expected to return until December, the two-guard spot will once again be owned by sophomore Trish Juhline (Havertown, Pa.). Juhline is coming off a sensational freshman season a year ago when she averaged 13.1 ppg., 3.6 rpg., 2.9 apg., and 1.1 spg. In addition, she led the team in three- point field goals made with 66 and she set a Villanova freshman class record for minutes played with 970. For her efforts last year, Juhline was named to the Big East Conference All-Rookie team and she was named the Philadelphia Big 5 Rookie of the Year.
When Pellicane returns, she will see major minutes at the both guard spots. One of the smartest players on the team, Pellicane will provide Villanova with game experience when she returns to action. As a sophomore in 1998-99, Pellicane conneced on 69 three-point field goals. Another guard expected to see time this year will be freshman Brandi Harris (Pittsburgh, Pa.). A true point guard, Harris is a good ball handler who can penetrate the lane and knock down the open jump shot. Adding depth at the guard spot will be senior Megan Stewart (Maroochydore, Australia). A hard worker, Stewart will be used as a defensive specialist.
FORWARDS:
The forward position looks to be the spot where Villanova has the most depth. Sophomore Katie Davis (North East, Md.) appears to be a starter at the small forward position. Davis is a great athlete who possesses great quickness. A good three-point shooter, Davis can also score in a half court game due to her outstanding mobility. As a rookie last year, she started 10 of the 30 games she played in and averaged 5.9 ppg., and 4.4 rpg. Davis is much improved from last year and she looks poised for a big year in 2000-2001.
The power forward spot will be shared by junior Stephanie Baker (Wilmington, Del.) and sophomore Nicole Druckenmiller (Northampton, Pa.). Baker is a strong physical player who plays tough, post defense. Baker, who has always been a good rebounder, has improved her offensive skills and should be a major contributor this season. Last year as a sophomore, Baker averaged 3.2 ppg., 4.3 rpg in 17.7 minuters per contest. Baker also led the team in blocks with 24. Druckenmiller is a good fit to play the four spot in Perretta's offense. Besides being able to score inside with either hand, Druckenmiller is one of the team's top three-point shooters. In 29 games last year, Druckenmiller started 19 times and averaged 5.5 ppg., and 2.9 rpg. In addition, she made good on 23-of-66 from three-point range.
One newcomer who has looked good early is freshman Courtney Mix (Toledo, Ohio). Mix is a student of the game who has the versatility to play both forward positions and the two-guard spot. Her work-ethic and knack for being in the right place at the right time will help Mix gain valuable minutes as a freshman. Redshirt freshman Kelly Nash (Fairfield, Conn.) will also be in the mix for playing time at forward. Nash is a fundamentally sound player who consistently connects on the open jump shot.
CENTER:
Villanova has one of the top post players in the Big East Conference in junior center Brandi Barnes (Joppatowne, Md.). A terrific offensive player, Barnes has a wide range of post moves to go with a good jump shot. Barnes also has the ability to step out and make the three-point shot. Last season, Barnes shot 44 percent from the field and averaged 10.5 ppg., and a team-high 6.6 rpg. She also finished second on the team in blocks with 19. Also seeing time at center will be Baker who will have her minutes split between the forward and center position.
Also vying for playing time is redshirt freshman Jeanine Johnson (Lima, Ohio). An athletic performer with a good jump shot, Johnson has made great strides over last season. Johnson also has the ability to play the power forward spot as well. A fourth center in the program is freshman Jana Rediger (Sellersville, Pa.). Rediger is a tireless worker who has a wealth of potential. Rediger will probably redshirt the 2000-2001 season and use the year to get herself ready to be a contributor next season.
SCHEDULE:
Fans of the Villanova women's basketball program should enjoy this year's schedule as three of last year's Final Four teams will play at The Pavilion in 2000-2001. The Wildcats will begin the season with one of the those three teams on Friday, Nov. 17 against Penn State. Villanova will play its first road game on Nov. 21 with an away contest at Fairfield. During Thanksgiving, the 'Cats will travel south to play in the Florida International Tournament. Joining Villanova and Florida International in the tournament will be Georgia State and Youngstown State who both participated in last year's NCAA Tournament. Villanova will close out November with a Philadelphia Big Five against LaSalle at home on Nov. 28.
December begins with home date versus Big Five rival Temple on Dec. 2. Big East play begins on Dec. 6 with a road contest at perennial league power Notre Dame. After the trip to South Bend, Villanova will play back-to-back Big Five away games before the Christmas holiday. On Dec. 9, Villanova visits St. Jospeh's, while on Dec. 12 the 'Cats travel to the University of Pennsylvania. Following the Christmas break, Villanova will host the PNC Wildcat Christmas Classic. Joining Villanova in this year's field will be Buckenll, Howard and Northeastern.
With the exception of a home game with George Washington on Dec. 13, all of the games after the first of year will be Big East Conference games. The three teams in the league that Villanova will play twice this year include defending National Champion Connecticut, Georgetown and Seton Hall. Connecticut plays at Villanova on Feb. 18, while Rutgers, who was also in last year's Final Four, comes to the Main Line on Jan. 20.
This year's Big East Tournament will once again be played in Storrs, Conn., at the University of Connecticut. The tournament dates are slated for March 3-6 at Gampel Pavilion.
