VILLANOVA, Pa.- Villanova looks to get the ball rolling with their home opener, Friday, Aug. 31 when they host Indiana at 6 p.m. The Wildcats kicked off their 2018 season with a trip to Fairfield last Sunday where they fell 3-1 to the Stags.
Over the years, Villanova and Indiana have met four times. The Hoosiers hold a 4-0 record over Villanova after meeting in 2002, 2010, 2012, and last year in 2017. Three of the four contests were made up by a difference of one goal except in 2012 where the Wildcats dropped a 4-0 decision.
Last year when Villanova hosted the Hoosiers they fell 3-4.
Christen Pennington had an excellent performance for the Wildcats, scoring two goals, on three shots, two of which were on goal. For the Hoosiers, midfielder Ciara Girouard, led her team with three goals on eight shots as a sophomore.
Villanova's strength in returners shows to be an advantage to Indiana's. Although the Wildcats lost leading scorer
Francesca Bello they return leading scorers,
Megan Vermeil and
Lydia Sydnor and starting goalie
Erika Miller.
As for Indiana, the Hoosiers lost leading scorer Maddie Latino and starting goalie Katie Johnson but return Girouard as second leading scorer.
At this point in the season, Indiana has had more field time than Villanova, facing two opponents thus far. The Hoosiers are 1-1, falling in their first game 2-1 against #8 Louisville and winning 2-0 against Ball State. Villanova is 0-1 on the season but will possess the home field advantage.
An exciting fall is also set up for the team and its fans with many promotional games planned throughout the season. This past week Milhous and the marketing department finalized an in game promotional schedule.
The home opener against Indiana will begin the promotional schedule where posters of the team's 2018 schedule will be distributed.
Looking ahead to Friday, Sept. 14, there will be a "Wildcat Student Night" that will also include a men's basketball Bonus Lottery Game. Students can earn +10 points that will be awarded by geo-checkin once you are in the stadium. To be checked in automatically, you must select "always" under location access.
The following Friday, Sept. 21 will be a Military Appreciation game. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed every year on the third Friday of September. This day is to remember those who were prisoners of war and for those who are missing in action.
On Friday, Oct. 5 the Wildcats will "Play4TheCure" in an annual pink game. Play4TheCure is a program for fundraising through sports for the National Foundation for Cancer Research.
The last three home games of the regular season will each feature a different promotional event.
Sunday, Oct. 14 will recognize returning Alumni; Friday, Oct. 19 will be Youth Night with many different pre and post-game activities for local youth groups and lastly, Sunday, Oct. 28 Senior Night will take place in recognition of the graduating seniors.
There will also be an ongoing online fundraising the team is participating in. The fundraiser is through Vs. Cancer Organization - Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. It has yet to be determined if there will be a special promotional game set aside to help promote this cause further, but Villanova field hockey has created a team page where anyone is welcome to donate towards their team goal of $2,500.
Villanova Field Hockey Vs. Cancer Donation Page
2018 Villanova Field Hockey Promotional Schedule
Friday, Aug. 31- Home Opener
Friday, Sept. 14- "Wildcat Student Night"-MBB Bonus Lottery Game
Friday, Sept. 21- Military Appreciation Day
Friday, Oct. 5- "Play4TheCure"-Pink Game
Sunday, Oct. 14- Alumni Game
Friday, Oct. 19- Youth Night
Sunday, Oct. 28- Senior Night
Tentative- Vs. Cancer Night
