Sept. 22, 2000
Complete Release in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader
Losing a Heartbreaker - From the beginning, September 20th's matchup against Delaware had all the makings of a thriller. The Wildcats entered the match 3-8 overall, while the Blue Hens entered at 2-8. With the all-time series record deadlocked at 14-14, Villanova was out to prove they were a much better team then their record proved. The Wildcats fell behind early 2-0, but fought all the way back to force a fifth and deciding game. In their first five-game match of the season, Villanova was defeated 17-15 after jumping out to a commanding 10-6 lead in the rally scoring format. Despite the loss, Villanova showed several signs of improvement, including a much improved defense. The Wildcats tallied 55 digs, averaging 11 per game in the effort. Offensively, Villanova saw a break through performance from Leah Mathews (Poway, Calif./Our Lady of Peace). The sophomore standout is the only Wildcat to have played in every game of the young season. Her statistical totals for the night included 14 kills, 11 digs, and one ace.
A Setting Success - Freshman Jennifer Edwards (Valencia, Calif./Valencia) assumed the role of starting setter for the Wildcats right out of high school. Early in the year, Edwards and her teammates struggled in their communication with one another on the court. Times have changed and so have the fortunes of Edwards. The California native has been making great strides in her improvement. This past week in losses to #3 Penn State, Southern Methodist, Ohio, and a victory over the University of Maryland Baltimore County she tallied 122 assists, 19 digs, and seven kills. The effort was her best in any four game span this season. Her best game total in assists was 47 against Ohio, until she chalked up 55 helpers against Delaware this past Wednesday. She has recorded 311 assists on the year for an average of 8.64 per game.
Scouting the Bucknell Invitational - Entering this weekend's tournament, Villanova appears to be the favorite. With their current mark of 3-9, the Wildcats have the most victories of any team in the tournament. Their opponents Bucknell (2-10), Canisius (1-8), and Marist (0-8) are all entering the match on losing streaks. Bucknell has lost two straight, Canisius has lost five straight, and Marist eight straight losses. The Wildcats only have one common opponent with their competitors so far this season and that is Manhattan College. Villanova and Bucknell were both defeated by the Lady Jaspers, 3-0 and 3-1 respectively.
Moving On Up - Senior Breen Eddinger (Tacoma, Wash./Bellarmine Prep) is only five block assists short of 4th place all-time on the Villanova career list. Just in front of her is Amy Burke (`94) with 205 career block assists. Eddinger could surpass Burke this weekend, since she is averaging .54 blocks per game. She is also attempting to join the career list in kills as well. The fifth spot is currently held by Elizabeth Jones (`98) with 1328. Eddinger currently has recorded 1165 kills in her career.
Above the Net - Senior Tina Zitterich (Ames, Iowa/Gilbert) will look to continue her excellent hitting from recent matches. Zitterich has been the Wildcats leading hitter since returning to the starting lineup against Manhattan on September 3rd. Since that date, Zitterich has recorded 90 kills in 31 games. Most recently, she has tallied 19 kills against Delaware, 16 against Ohio, and 15 against UMBC. Her 2.90 kills per game average is tops for Villanova.
Up Next for the `Cats - Following their return from Bucknell, Villanova will begin their always difficult Big East schedule. Villanova starts on the road at Notre Dame (Sept. 29) and Syracuse (Oct. 1) before hosting Rutgers (Oct. 7) and Seton Hall (Oct. 8). Villanova hopes to overcome the pessimism displayed in the pre-season polls which picked them to finish last for the second straight year.
On the Injured Reserve - Dana Jones (Mt. Kisco, N.Y./Fox Lane) is day to day with a shoulder injury sustained in warm-ups against Penn State on September 12th. Sophomore transfer Courtney Starbuck (Glen Allen, Va./Charleston Southern) is also on the sidelines with a shoulder injury. She will be out indefinetly. Sophomore standout Erin Birunas is a medical redshirt after having back surgery this summer. She will return to action in 2001.
The Big East - In the 2000 Big East pre-season poll, Villanova was picked to finish 12th by the league's coaches. The Wildcats finished their 1999 campaign 9-21 overall and 0-11 in the Big East. As of Septmeber 18th, Villanova was tied for 10th place in the conference with Boston College.
Statistical Leaders(Through Sept, 20th)
Games Played40 - Leah Mathews
Kills (Per Game)95 (2.49) - Breen Eddinger
Hitting Percentage.230 - Tina Zitterich
Assists (Per Game)311 (8.64) - Jennifer Edwards
Digs (Per Game)104 (2.60) - Leah Mathews
Block Solo8 - Tina Zitterich
Block Assists20- Tina Zitterich
Blocks Per Game.90 - Tina Zitterich
