Villanova, Pa. -

With the Wildcats' first appearance in the BIG EAST Tournament looming ... excitement is running high and adrenaline is pumping. However, the Villanova women's lacrosse team still has one more regular season contest to tackle before they make their way to Connecticut next Tuesday. Before they leave for UConn, they must play them first.

Junior Shannon Galvin has her eyes set on the nearest prize: the Huskies. Galvin has been an integral part of the Wildcat midfield this year after the loss of BIG EAST Preseason team Chelsea Henderson due to an injury.

Against the Commodores last Sunday Galvin caused one of the most important turnovers of the game to give Nova the go-ahead goal late in the second half to give the Wildcats the push of momentum they dearly needed to finally secure their 12-10 BIG EAST Tournament securing victory over Vanderbilt. Along with two eight-meter goals, a ground ball and one more caused turnover, Galvin showed one of her best games against Vanderbilt.

Nova Nation sat down with the seasoned midfielder to get her thoughts on the upcoming games and how the Wildcats are getting ready.

Q: Obviously lots of exciting things happening, how are the Wildcats keeping their cool and staying focused on the task at hand: UConn?

A:  There is definitely a lot of excitement going on but right now we are focusing on beating UConn on Saturday to better position ourselves in the upcoming Big East Tournament.

Q: The midfield this year is generally young but has posted some fantastic numbers this year totaling over 200 ground balls and logging a .775 successful clear percentage ... How does the group mesh and what is the key to a successful game for the group?

A: I think the midfield line this year has a lot of chemistry.  Confidence in your teammates is key and I know for a fact that I can rely on each and every other midfielder out there.  We've worked so hard to get to where we are today and a huge part of that has to do with our young underclassmen stepping up. 

Q: Against the Commodores last weekend, you caused key turnovers and was perfect from the eight-meter line ... Tell us a little about the game and how you were feeling.

A: It was the first time we ever played Vanderbilt so our whole team was pretty anxious to give them a brutal welcome to the BIG EAST.  We had been scouting that team for a while now so I think the adrenalin along with the knowledge we had allowed us to capitalize on their weaknesses in the eight-meter.  

Q: What have you thought about your junior year so far and how do you think it has shaped you moving forward into your senior season?

A: I think my junior year is definitely one to remember.  Not many people get to experience being a part of a growing program and contributing to its dramatic improvement.  Being a part of the team that brought this program to the BIG EAST Tournament for the first time is something I will never forget.  Being an upperclassman I definitely have more responsibilities on the field but that is something I am proud of and look forward to improving on next year as a senior.    

Q: We know that Sam wears the power buns, but are there any other superstitions worth mentioning on the Nova squad?

A: Haha yes Sam definitely works those power buns every game.  A lot of us rock the Mohawk frenchbraid which I know can be hard to see but it definitely gives us the "sassy" vibe we're all going for.   We always say "look good play good".

Q: It is the senior's last game in Villanova Stadium ... If you could say one thing to them what would you say?

A: I would say thank you for everything you have done this year.  There is no way we would have made it as far as we did without each and every one of them.  They are the force that ties this team together and they will be greatly missed next year.  I know our junior class has huge shoes to fill!