Aug. 31, 2007
Recap | Box Score | Notes
Villanova 3, Lafayette 0
Post-Game Quotes
Head Coach Ann Clifton...
On the offense
It took us some time to pull them apart defensively. We are really trying to find our rhythm out there and I thought today we established the width very well. I liked that a lot. Jessica Carnevale was a huge spark off the bench. She changed the game for us because she got us in line a few times early and created more opportunities for us off the flank. Stacia Hartung was everything as advertised today. She is a human highlight film and it was fun to watch her out there.
On moving Erin Hardiman to the back line during the game
Erin did a great job on defense today. We started her on the right outside half and then moved her to the back, but she could have also played up top as an attacking midfielder for us. Erin does a great job all over the field. Today we wanted to give Kelly Eagan some rest and Erin stabilized the back line pretty well.
On the game as a whole
Our creativity in the final third was there but we were a little off on that first entry pass. We had too many touches in some spots and not enough in others but that is a learning thing as time goes on. I thought we defended very well today. Jillian Loyden made it clear and evident that it wasn't going to be easy for Lafayette today. She is in a completely different class from most goalkeepers in the country.
On freshmen Patty Tierney and Justine Wollner
We played a very young midfield at times with Patty and Justine in there with [sophomore] Jessica Carnevale. That is what this team needs to do is build on and continue what we have now. We are fortunate to have such a large and experienced senior class but at the same time we need to build for the future. Justine Wollner was a special player today. She was awesome. She is similar to Kristen Verbit and she was ready today. She really turned the corner about a week ago in preseason. I think she was a little overwhelmed by the daily rigors early on but then she came around. Our depth is outstanding. I think we could have 20 different starting lineups and they would all work.
Senior Stacia Hartung...
On scoring the first goal of the game
We were coming off a great combo that Kayce [Blandford] had on a corner kick. I came into the middle of the attacking third and saw an opening on Jenna [Gordon's] pass. The father out I am from the goal the less I think about the actual shot. I just try to concentrate and get the ball to the goal on a play like that.
On moving from midfield to forward today
I just want to be out there for the team and playing at forward is what is working best right now. I am not worried about being in the midfield or at forward. It felt good to build the offense today. I am working well with Nikki Mabery and the other forwards up top right now.
On the large senior class
Last year was an amazing season but we want to build on that this year. From the time we came in as freshmen we knew we were a great class and we are looking forward to the mark that we can leave on the program.
