Dec. 16, 2003

VILLANOVA, PA. - The Big East Conference released its 2004 softball coaches' poll, and head coach Maria DiBernardi's Villanova squad was selected to finish in second place in the league. The 'Cats received three first place votes, and finished just eight points behind Notre Dame.

The Fighting Irish defeated Villanova in nine innings to capture last year's conference crown. Notre Dame picked up seven first place votes and 95 total points on the heels of a 38-17 record in 2003, including 14-3 in league play.

Villanova received 83 points after finishing 34-15-1 overall a year ago, 13-7 in the Big East.

Boston College was tabbed for third place with 74 points, just ahead of Seton Hall. The Pirates grabbed the final first place vote, and finished four points shy of BC.

St. John's and Virginia Tech tied for fifth place in the poll, with Syracuse, Connecticut and Rutgers placed seventh, eighth and ninth, respectively.

Rounding out the selections were Pittsburgh (10th) and Providence (11th).

Villanova's season will get underway on Feb. 20, when the 'Cats participate in the Sonic Challenge in Chattanooga, Tenn. 'Nova will match up with the likes of Western Kentucky, Purdue, Samford, Virginia, Bradley and the tournament's host, Tennessee-Chattanooga.