Feb. 12, 2015 Villanova, Pa. -
2014 Statistics
As Head Coach Julie Young enters her fourth season at the head of the Villanova women's lacrosse program, she expects 2015 to be one of their strongest seasons yet. With a combination of leadership, athleticism and players with the will to succeed, Young hopes to set the stage for not just a terrific season, but to put Villanova on the map as one of the premier programs of the BIG EAST.
Coach Young holds an 18-30 record through her first three seasons as a Wildcat and a 51-48 overall record during her seven years as a head coach. Young adds three new faces to her coaching staff with returning alum Princess Livingston, Caitlin Powderly and Nicole Flego.
On the field, Villanova will be led by three senior captains: attackers Jessica Mucci, Jacqueline Froccaro and defender Taylor Mangione.
The Wildcats finished the 2014 campaign with their best overall record since 2010 (8-8, 3-4 BIG EAST), marking the most BIG EAST wins in a season for Nova since joining the conference in 2010. The season was cut short however after the Wildcats missed the opportunity to play in the BIG EAST tournament after coming up on the losing end of a three-way tie between Villanova, Rutgers and Temple.
"We were disappointed with how last season ended and that has really motivated us to work even hard this year, " said Young. "Our focus this year is to control our destiny and position ourselves in the top-4 so that we can compete for the BIG EAST Championship and postseason play. We are excited about the new opponents we will be facing and competing against in the BIG EAST."
Those new opponents happen to be powerhouses as the BIG EAST conference welcomes Florida and Vanderbilt into the eight-team league. No. 4 Florida, who has already suffered their first loss of the season against No. 2 North Carolina, was unanimously picked as the BIG EAST preseason favorites. Vanderbilt, despite struggling with a 5-12 record in their final season of the ALC, will be returning key players on offense and is also ranked in the top-four of the BIG EAST preseason rankings.
The Wildcats will open up their season this Saturday against former BIG EAST competitor Rutgers. In 2014, the 14-11 victory for Villanova was a first in the series history between the two schools. A contest at Navy will quickly follow and prove to be a good test for the Wildcats who dropped their match against the Mid Shipmen last season
"The first two games against quality opponents will be great openers for us to set the tone for this season," said Young.
Also new to the Villanova schedule is an early March match against No. 17 Stony Brook. A great opponent with multiple threats on offense and a very aggressive defense will give the Wildcats an opportunity against a solid opponent before wrapping up preconference play with games against Delaware, Drexel and St. Joseph's.
"We will face tough competition in our non-conference schedule that will prepares us for our strong Conference play. While this season is a long journey, our focus is to get better 1% each day and to see each game as a learning experience. This mindset will help us peak, when it's most important at the end of the season.
The Freshmen
"A strong group that will quickly make an impact for us this season."
Eight strong freshmen make up Young's newest group of Wildcats this year including three attackers, three midfielders, one defender and one goalkeeper. Looking to make immediate contributions on the field will be midfielders Devin Hassinger, Kathleen O'Conner and Tara DeAngelo. Kaitlyn Rau an attacker who creates space and has exhibited great stick work will be joined by Claire Peck and Amanda Gundlach at the front of the field. Elizabeth Armstrong, the sole defender of the group, will look to step into the defensive unit and contribute with her size and smart play.
"Overall this group brings a lot of athleticism and confidence which means they will quickly make an impact and start contributing right away," said Young.
The Goalies
"A pair that brings intensity and passion."
Junior goalkeeper Jaclyn Fraum will be returning to her spot between the posts this season after starting 13 games last season with 89 saves and a 9.77 gaavg. Fraum is joined this year by freshman Julia Michaels who has a solid fundamental background and who brings great intensity.
"It will be great for us to have two solid goalies this year," said Young. "Jaclyn has a lot of experience in big games and Julia played at a top high school program, and we will count on both of those goalies this season."
The Attack
"A potent offense with experience, versatility and depth. "
Led by senior captain and preseason All-BIG EAST team member Jessica Mucci, the Villanova offense will look to make the difference for the Wildcats this season. Mucci returns for her final season at Villanova after a solid junior season where she posted 11 goals and 22 assists. The senior was also honored with a spot on the All-BIG EAST 2nd team at the end of the 2014 campaign. Mucci will be joined by fellow senior captain, Jacqueline Froccaro. After leading the Wildcats in scoring as a sophomore (39), Froccaro spent 2014 on the bench due to injury. Young will look to her senior scoring duo to create problems for the Wildcat's opponents at the top of the field.
Also returning for the Wildcats this season is their 2014 scoring leader Kelsey Denihan who posted 26 goals and four assists last season and Meghan Breen, whose 25 goals earned her the second highest scoring position for the 2014 season. Both will be counted on to be offensive threats.
Two players stepping up for the Wildcats in the attack position this season are junior Kendall Cietek and Catherine Bendinelli. After playing in only eight games in 2014 with one start and two goals, Cietek's offseason work has improved her to a contributing spot of the Villanova offense. Catherine Bendinelli, a sophomore, continues to improve and will look to make big contributions for the Wildcats off the bench.
Senior Elise Bendinelli, who spent most of 2014 sidelined due to injury, is eager to come back for her final season as a Wildcat.
Junior Courtney Cross will also look to see more playing time this season after playing in one game in the 2014 campaign.
"Our attack unit has both experience and fresh faces that together will make us a dangerous offense," said Young. "I am excited to see how our chemistry strengthens throughout this season."
The Midfield
"The combination of speed and leadership will translate into our new style of play."
Anchoring the Villanova midfield is preseason All-BIG EAST team member Chelsey Henderson. Though the junior will be sidelined for the beginning of the season due to a partially torn Achilles, Henderson will look to lead the midfield and help control the tempo of attack after scoring 19 goals and posting 11 assists in 2014. Senior Hannah Goforth and junior Shannon Galvin will also contribute leadership with the ability to push the midfield line and create plays.
Sophomore Mariah Salerno, the lone freshman to see significant playing time in 2014, will return to the field to make big contributions after scoring six goals in her inaugural season. Fellow sophomore Cassidy Luidens is the most improved player for Young in this position who has developed into a dependable and consistent player. Also contributing to the midfield position this season will be sophomore and Louisville transfer Carolyn Dottino.
The Defense
"New faces and raw talent in this group will allow us to be a multi-dimensional and threatening defense."
Senior captain Taylor Mangione will anchor a young Villanova defense which needs solid communication and cohesion. Mangione created 16 turnovers in the 2014 campaign with 20 groundballs and looks to continue improving as the leading defender.
Returning starter, junior Mackenzie Cietek will add to Mangione's leadership and ability to create turnovers. Aiding in the defensive strategy for the Wildcats will be senior Margaret Dobesh, junior Nicolette Sortisio, sophomore Mary Jane White, and sophomore Samantha Scarfogliero.
A new faces to the backfield for Villanova this season will be Tierney Griff and Dana Bouwman. Tierney, 6'0'' junior will be making the transition from attack to defense after four goals and six groundballs in 2014. Dana Bouwman, a sophomore, saw time in six games last season with one ground ball and one caused turnover.
"This dynamic unit will allow us to play a more aggressive style of defense," said Young. "We are excited about the possibilities with the combination of youth and experience.
Injury Report
Sophomore midfielders and Rebecca Hetrick and attacker Kylie Primeau will see limited to no playing time this season due to injury.
