March 29, 2004

VILLANOVA, PA. - The Big East Conference recognized Villanova senior second baseman Ricci Lugo (San Clemente, Calif./San Clemente) as Co-Player of the Week on Monday. Lugo enjoyed a 5-for-11 (.455) weekend, which included a 3-for-5 effort in Saturday's doubleheader sweep of league rival Providence.

The Wildcats followed up Saturday's pair of victories with a Sunday split against Temple. Lugo went 2-for-3 with one RBI and one run scored in the 4-1 win in the nightcap.

Lugo, a First Team All-Conference selection a year ago, had struggled in the Wildcats' first 19 games of the season, batting just .149 (7-for-47) during an 8-11 stretch for 'Nova. But she broke out quickly against the Friars, homering in her first at-bat of the series. The blast moved Lugo into second place on the all-time home run list at Villanova with 18, four behind career leader Sara Carlson.

Her 3-for-5 performance against PC included the home run, four RBI, three runs scored, a sacrifice fly and a walk. She was also flawless on 12 attempts in the field.

Notre Dame's Meagan Ruthrauff was the other player recognized this week.

Lugo and the Wildcats are back in action on Friday, April 2 at Pittsburgh.