Sept. 26, 2001

Box Score

Piscataway, N.J. -- Senior Krissy Malchitsky (Perkiomenville, Pa.) scored Villanova's lone goal with 6:53 remaining in the contest as the Wildcats shutout the host Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Big East action, on Wednesday, Sept. 26. Villanova improves to 5-2 on the year, 2-0 in Big East play, as Rutgers falls to 2-5, 0-2 in conference play.

Malchitsky's goal was set up on Villanova's fifth corner of the second half. Freshman Vanessa Pizzulli (Oceanport, N.J.) and sophomore Christina Lugones (Oceanport, N.J.) both assisted on the goal.

The Wildcats defense limited the Rutgers offense, which includes the 2001 Big East Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Andschana Mendes, to only two shots in the game. Both scoring opportunities for the Scarlet Knights came in the first half.

Villanova goalkeeper Meghan Helwig (Basking Ridge, N.J.) made one save earning her second shutout of the season. Pizzulli helped preserve the shutout with a defensive save.

The Wildcats 2-0 start in Big East play is the best start in conference action in school history.

Villanova returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 26, when they host head coach Joanie Q. Milhous' alma mater, William & Mary. The Tribe, ranked No. 13 in the STX/NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll, leads the all-time series 4-1.

For more information contact Kevin Fischer at (610) 519-6460 in the Villanova Media Relations Department.