Oct. 27, 2002

Box Score

Providenece, RI- On Sunday, October 27, the Villanova University field hockey team won its regular season finale against Big East foe Providence College Friars, 4-2. With the win, the Wildcats clinch a berth in the Big East tournament to be held Nov. 8 and 10 at Coyne Field in Syracuse, NY. Villanova's record improves to 10-8 on the season and 4-1 in conference play. The loss drops Providence's overall record to 8-11 and 1-3 in the Big East.

Villanova's victory also gave the team their best Big East finish since Jackie Gerzabek's squad went 4-1 in conference play in 1992.

The Wildcats jumped out to an early lead 1:41 into the game when junior forward Christina Lugones deflected a Kristen Strocen shot past Providence goalkeeper Meaghan Moran. 'Nova extended their lead 23 minutes later when Leah Lisausky gathered her own rebound and found the back of the net. The goal was Lisausky's tenth of the season.

The Friars mounted a late rally, pulling to within one on a Jennifer Chin tally, but Villanova's Sarah Francis responded with her third goal of the season, putting the 'Cats up 3-1 heading into halftime.

With eleven minutes gone by in the second half, Lisausky put Villanova up by three with her second goal of the game.

Providence rallied again, recording several quick shots on goal, but were shut down by the goalkeeping of Meghan Helwig. The Friars were able to break through for one more goal when Kelly Romanowicz re-directed an Amie Hutton cross for the score with 15 minutes left to go in the game.

In the win, Helwig recorded eight saves, with Sarah Burdette recording one defensive save on a diving shot by Chin.

Villanova will now have a week to prepare for the Big East tournament. Seedings and game times are not yet available.