Sept. 2, 2008

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Two weeks into the 2008 season the Villanova women's soccer team is not only 3-0 but has outscored its opposition by a 12-1 margin in three games. As a result, the Wildcats have moved into the national top-30 in this week's Soccer Buzz Magazine national rankings, coming in at No. 27. Villanova is also receiving votes in the NSCAA/adidas Coaches' Top 25 poll. The Wildcats have now earned a national ranking at some point during the season in seven of the last eight seasons.

A relatively young Wildcat team is already making headlines in the early part of the year. After a record-setting 7-0 win over UMBC in its season opener, Villanova traveled to Vermont and emerged as champions of the TD Banknorth Classic. The Wildcats defeated New Hampshire 2-1 in the opening game of the tournament and then used a late offensive surge to knock off the host Catamounts in the final game.

In addition to the national rankings, Villanova continues to maintain a strong position in the Mid-Atlantic regional rankings as well. The Wildcats rate No. 4 in the region in the NSCAA poll and come in at No. 3 in the Soccer Buzz poll. Virginia and West Virginia, respectively, hold down the top two spots in both rankings and Georgetown is ahead of Villanova in the NSCAA poll.

The Wildcats are one of four BIG EAST teams ranked in the Soccer Buzz top 30, joining Notre Dame (No. 2), West Virginia (No. 14) and Louisville (No. 22). In addition, Georgetown is receiving votes in the poll for the first time in its 12-year history. All four of the other conference teams are on the schedule for Villanova this season, including games against National Division rivals in the Fighting Irish, Cardinals and Hoyas.

Next on the schedule for the Wildcats is their own home tournament this coming weekend. Villanova will host La Salle, Loyola (Md.) and San Diego State at the Villanova Classic, with games against San Diego State (Friday/2 p.m.) and La Salle (Sunday/2:30 p.m.).