Sept. 2, 2001

Stats

Villanova, Pa.----- Led by a two goal effort from junior Kristen Strocen (Philadelphia, Pa.), Villanova shutout the visiting Ursinus Bears, 4-0, in the Wildcats 2001 home opener at Villanova Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 2. The victory improves the Wildcats to 1-1 on the year as Ursinus falls to 0-2.

The Wildcats dominated play in the first half out-shooting the Bears, 27-4. With 11:44 remaining in the first half, senior Krissy Malchitsky (Perkiomenville, Pa.) blasted a shot from the top of the circle past Ursinus goalkeeper, Nicole Monatesti, for her first score of the season. Freshman Vanessa Pizzulli (Oceanport, N.J.) and sophomore Colleen Helms (Broomall, Pa.) assisted on Malchitsky's goal.

Strocen would score the next two Villanova goals on penalty strokes. The first stroke was set up by back Sarah Burdette (Washington Crossing, Pa.) who intercepted a Ursinus pass at midfield leading to a 2-on-1 break with teammate Stephanie Vrettos (West Long Branch, N.J.). Monatesti was able to save the first two shots, but the 'Cats were awarded a penalty stroke after she covered up the ball.

Strocen's second stroke at the 5:02 mark was awarded to the 'Cats when Monatesti, again, was forced to cover the ball after denying three Villanova shots. Strocen's two goals were the fifth and sixth of her career.

The Wildcats added an insurance goal in the second half when Vrettos redirected a centering pass from Helms into the back of the cage. Helms leads the Wildcats in assists with three.

Villanova's defense, led by Burdette, Strocen, Pizzulli, and Malchitsky kept the Ursinus offense in-check. Goalkeeper Meghan Helwig (Basking Ridge, N.J.) made eight saves earning her 12th career shutout.

The Wildcats return to action on Wednesday, Sept. 5, when they travel to Easton, Pa., to challenge the Lafayette Leopards in a non-conference match-up. The Wildcats defeated the Leopards last season, 4-2, but Lafayette leads the all-time series 4-21-1.