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ON CAMPUS CALENDAR TICKETS ONLINE STORE V CLUB All-ACCESS AUCTIONS |
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Women's Basketball Hits the Road for Tuesday Night Game at Fairfield
Nov. 23, 2004
Villanova vs. Fairfield Game Notes
VILLANOVA, Pa.-- Women's Basketball Game Notes for Tuesday night's game between the No. 24 Villanova Wildcats (1-0) and the Fairfield Stags (0-1). Game time is 6:30 p.m. from the Arena at Harbord Yard in Bridgeport, Conn. Complete Game Notes are available by clicking on the PDF link within this release.
vs.
Fairfield Stags (0-1 Overall)
Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004
SERIES INFORMATION
First Meeting: 12/30/96 (Villanova 66-43)
MEDIA INFORMATION
All interivew requests should be directed towards Dean Kenefick, Asst. Athletics Director for Communications at 610-519-4120.
Internet Broadcasts: Selected games can be heard live on the Internet at www.villanova.com
On the Web: Villanova's official web page can be found at www.villanova.com
FAIRFIELD REPORT: The Stags enter play on Tuesday with an 0-1 record. Fairfield dropped its home opener last Friday to Harvard by a score of 71-68. The Stags led 40-35 at halftime, but were outscored 36-28 in the second stanza. Senior Cathy Dash led all scorers in the game with 22 points on 10-of-18 shooting to go with 11 rebounds. Also scoring double figures for the Stags were senior Janelle McManus and freshman Meka Wertz who had 13 points apiece. For her efforts, Wertz was named the MAAC Rookie of the Week. The Crimson had five players score double figures highlighted by Jessica Holsey with 16. Fairfield controlled the backboard, out-rebounding Harvard, 46-37. For the game, Fairfield was 29-of-72 from the field (40.3%), 4-of-16 from three-point range (25.0%), and 6-of-18 from the foul line (33.3%), while Harvard shot 45.8 percent from the floor (27-of-59), 35.3 percent from three-point range (6-of-17) and 64.7 percent from the foul line (11-of-17). In the preseason MAAC coaches poll, Fairfield was picked to finish second behind defending league champion Marist. Three Fairfield players were chosen preseason all-conference including Janelle Mcmanus who was a first team selection and Cathy Dash and Candice Lindsay who were named to the second team.
VILLANOVA HEAD COACH Harry Perretta: After 26 years as head coach of the Villanova women's basketball program, Harry Perretta has established himself as one of the most respected and knowledgeable coaches in the country. A true teacher both on and off the court, Perretta strives to have a positive influence on his student-athletes not only as basketball players, but also as people.
Currently in his 27th year on the Main Line, Perretta has tallied a career record of 489-269. His 489 wins place him 25th on the winningest active collegiate coaching list, and ranks him as the all-time winningest coach in the history of Villanova basketball for both men and women. Over the last five seasons, Perretta has compiled an impressive 108-48 record.
Last season, Perretta led his team to a fourth-straight 20-win campaign and a fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament berth where the Wildcats advanced to the second round. The 20-win season marked the 13th time in his Villanova career that Perretta has guided Villanova to a 20-win campaign. Perretta also coached his squad to a second-straight Philadelphia Big Five title last year. For his efforts, he was named Big Five Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season.
The 2002-03 season was a special one for Perretta and the Wildcats. In addition to an impressive 28-6 overall record and a 12-4 Big East Conference mark, Perretta led the Wildcats to their third Big East Conference Tournament championship and first since 1987 with an improbable 52-48 upset over previously unbeaten Connecticut. The win snapped Connecticut's NCAA Division I women's basketball record of 70-straight victories and ended Connecticut's streak of nine-straight conference tournament championships.
The 28 wins recorded in 2002-03 is the second most victories in school history. Villanova was rewarded for its season by earning a No. 2 seed in the 2002-03 NCAA Tournament which is the highest seed ever for a Philadelphia area women's basketball team. In the NCAA Tournament, the Wildcats recorded wins over St. Francis (Pa.), George Washington and Colorado and advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in the program's history. Also, during the 2002-03 season, Villanova went 4-0 in the Philadelphia Big Five to capture the City Series championship and he was named the Big Five Coach of the Year for the fourth time in his career. Under Perretta's guidance, senior guard Trish Juhline led the Big East in scoring and garnered first team All-Big East acclaim for the second-straight year, while senior forward Katie Davis was named second team All-Big East and junior guard/forward Courtney Mix was a Big East Honorable Mention Team selection. In addition, Juhline was named the Big East Tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
In 2001-02, Perretta guided Villanova to a 20-11 mark and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. In the NCAA's, Villanova received the No. 9 seed in the west region where they defeated Pepperdine in the first round before losing to No. 1 seed Oklahoma in the second round. Under Perretta's tutelage, junior guard Trish Juhline became the first Wildcat since 1994-95 to be named first team All-Big East. Perretta also helped senior point guard Mimi Riley earn Big East Honorable Mention acclaim in 2001-02.
The 2000-01 season was a memorable one for Perretta, as he led his team to a 22-9 overall record and a berth in the NCAA Tournament where they advanced to the second round. In a 60-55 win over Temple on Dec. 2, 2000, Perretta won his 400th career game and with the 61-45 victory over Providence on Feb. 24, 2001, Perretta became the all-time winningest coach in the history of Villanova basketball for both men and women with career win number 414. For his efforts in 2000-01, Perretta was named the Philadelphia Big Five Co-Coach of the Year. Also that season, Perretta helped senior center Brandi Barnes earn third team All-Big East distinction and sophomore guard Trish Juhline garner Big East Honorable Mention acclaim. In the Philadelphia Big Five, freshman forward Courtney Mix was named Rookie of the Year.
In 1995-96, Perretta led his team to a 21-7 record and added to his already impressive resume when he earned Big East Coach of the Year honors along with the Philadelphia Big Five Coach-of-the-Year award. Already the winningest coach in Villanova women's basketball history, on January 8, 1995 against the Georgetown Hoyas, Perretta earned his 300th career win at the age of 39. At the end of the 1994-95 season, he was named the Philadelphia Big 5 Coach of the Year.
The dean of the Big East and Big 5 coaches, Perretta has brought the Wildcats national respect and success during his tenure at Villanova. Always a crowd favorite wherever he goes, he is one of the most animated and vocal coaches in the country, continually instructing his players during the course of a game. Year-in and year-out, his teams are feared for their aggressive play, disciplined style, defensive prowess and pre-game preparations of an opponent.
A teacher of basketball, Perretta also realizes the importance of the overall college experience. He and his staff follow closely each player's academic progress, and in his 27 years at Villanova every one of his student-athletes who has stayed all four years has received her degree. Perretta is also a firm believer of using the basketball experience to teach his players lessons on life. Upon graduation, it is a sure bet that Perretta's players will leave Villanova as better basketball players and, in addition to being prepared to be a success in whatever career avenue they choose.
During his career on the Main Line, he has led the Wildcats to eight NCAA Tournament appearances, national rankings in the Associated Press poll, Big East regular season and tournament championships in both 1985-86 and 1986-87, the 2003 Big East Tournament title, seven outright and four shared Big 5 titles, and thirteen 20-win or better seasons. In addition, one of his players, Shelly Pennefather, was recognized in 1987 as the nation's top women's basketball player, winning the Margaret Wade Trophy and earning Kodak All-America honors.
"This program is something I feel is my own, my own personal project," stated Perretta. "When I got here, I didn't have much to start with. Yet, all the players we have brought in have graduated, we've had an All-American and gone to the Final Four (1982). The fact that we are considered one of the better teams in the country over the last 27 years makes me proud. I can honestly say that I wouldn't want to coach anywhere but Villanova."
Perretta began his career on the Main Line in 1978 at the age of 21, the youngest coach ever to head a women's program at Villanova. In his first season, he led the `Cats to a 17-8 record and was a finalist for the AIAW small college coach of the year. During his career, Perretta and the Wildcats have had many highlights, including reaching the Final Four of the AIAW in 1982. The 1982-83 season saw Villanova begin play in NCAA Division I and in the Big East Conference. Since joining the Big East in 1982, Perretta has compiled a 190-137 conference record.
"It is hard to believe that I have been at Villanova for 27 years. It seems like yesterday that I was just beginning my career here," said Perretta. "When I think back over the years, it is amazing to me how many special people I have come in contact with. I have been very fortunate to have some great people play for me here at Villanova. I consider myself lucky that I have been able to coach at one place my entire career."
Perretta attended Lycoming College after earning All-Catholic League honors at Monsignor Bonner High School in Upper Darby, Pa. His playing career was cut short, however, by an ankle injury during his freshman year at Lycoming. Perretta spent the remainder of his college years assisting Lycoming's varsity and junior varsity programs as a coach, and he also aided the women's program. He received his bachelor's degree in social studies and a secondary teaching certificate in 1978. In 1995, he earned his Master's degree in Education from Villanova.
Perretta is married to the former Helen Koskinen and they are the parents of a six-year old son, Stephen William and a four-year old son Michael John. Together, they reside in Drexel Hill, Pa.
WILDCATS NEWS AND NOTES
OPENING DAY RECAP: Villanova opened up the 2004-05 season with an impressive 73-65 win over No. 23 Penn State on Sunday, Nov. 21. The Lady Lions went to intermission holding a slim, 30-29, advantage. With the Wildcats leading 48-42 with 12:36 left in the second half, Villanova used a 10-2 run over the next three and a half minutes to lead 58-44 at the 9:07 mark. Penn State would cut the Villanova advantage to five at 68-63 with 1:05 remaining before the Wildcats would make six-of-six from the foul line down the stretch to seal the win. Villanova was led in the win by sophomore Jackie Adamshick who netted 21 points to go with six rebounds and junior Liad Suez who tallied 20 points, five rebounds and three assists. Junior Kate Dessart Mager came off the bench to register 12 points and five rebounds. Penn State was paced by senior Tanisha Wright who had 22 points and senior Ashli Schwab who scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds. For the game, the Wildcats were 24-of-50 from the field (48.0%), 9-of-20 from three-point range (45.0%) and 16-of-21 from the free throw line (76.2%), while Penn State shot 45.5 percent from the floor (25-of-55), 10.0 percent from three-point range (1-of-10) and 87.5 percent from the foul line (14-of-16). Penn State out-rebounded the Wildcats by a 33-28 margin.
EARNING RECOGNITION: After its 73-65 upset win over No. 23 Penn State last Sunday, Villanova was rewarded by earning a spot in this week's Associated Press Top 25. The Wildcats check in at No. 24 in this week's poll with 100 points. Louisiana Tech is one spot ahead of the `Cats with 123 points. Tennessee owns the top spot with 1,111 points. Villanova has six future opponents ranked this week including North Carolina (No. 5), Notre Dame (No. 6), Connecticut (No. 8), Kansas State (No. 16), Rutgers (No. 17) and Boston College (No. 20).
A LOOK BACK: Villanova and Fairfield met last November at The Pavilion where the Wildcats tallied a 68-55 victory. In the win, three Wildcats scored in double figures including Jennifer Hilgenberg with 17, Courtney Mix with 12 and Kate Dessart Mager with 11. Hilgenberg was a perfect 10-for-10 from the foul line which tied a school record for best free throw percentage in a game. Fairfield was paced Ivana Podrug and Janelle McManus who had 12 points each. Candice Lindsay added 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Stags, while Milica Miljkovic had 10 points. Fairfield out-rebounded Villanova by seven (42-35) and had 17 offensive rebounds.
ROAD TRIP: Villanova begins a five-game road trip with Tuesday's contest at Fairfield. After the Fairfield game, the Wildcats head west to compete in the UNLV Thanksgiving Tournament. The `Cats will battle North Carolina in the first round, while host UNLV plays Texas-Arlington in the other first round match-up. Villanova returns from Las Vegas and travels to Washington, D.C. to take on George Washington on Wednesday, Dec. 1. The five-game road stretch ends with a game at Pennsylvania on Sunday, Dec. 5. Last season, Villanova tallied an 8-4 mark away from home.
SEEING 20/20: In Sunday's 73-65 win over No. 23 Penn State, Villanova had two players reach the 20-point scoring plateau. Sophomore Jackie Adamshick led all Wildcat scorers 21 points on 8-of-17 shooting (4-of-8 from three-point range/1-of-4 from foul line), while junior Liad Suez netted 20 points on 6-of-12 shooting (4-of-7 from three-point range/4-of-5 from foul line). This was Suez's seventh career 20-point game and the second for Adamshick.
STAY BEHIND THE LINE: A big reason why Villanova was able to defeat Penn State this past Sunday was due in large part to the team's three-point shooting. In the win, the Wildcats were 9-of-20 from three-point range, while Penn State was just 1-of-10 from long distance.
DIAL LONG DISTANCE: Over the last five years, Villanova has gained a reputation as being one of the top three-point shooting teams in the country. In fact, the Wildcats have led the nation in three-point field goals made in two of the last three seasons. Last season, Villanova was 226-of-628 (.360) from long distance which ranked fifth in the country. Of the 226 made three-pointers, 161 were recorded by players who return this season. The team's top returning long distance shooter is Liad Suez who was 58-of-153 from behind the arc for 37.9 percent. Villanova has made at least one three-point field goal in 210 of its last 211 games.
BENCH SUPPORT: Two big contributions in last Sunday's game versus Penn State came from juniors Betsy McManus and Kate Dessart Mager. Both came of the bench to combine for 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal. Dessart Mager shot 5-of-7 from the floor and 2-of-2 from the foul line for 12 points to go with five rebounds in 23 minutes, while McManus had eight points and three assists in 30 minutes.
EXPERIENCED RETURNERS: Villanova returns three starters and eight letterwinners from last year's team that went 23-7 overall, 12-4 in Big East play and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The team's three returning starters include fifth-year senior center Jana Rediger, senior forward Jennifer Hilgenberg and junior forward Liad Suez. As a sophomore last year, Suez was named third team All-Big East after averaging 13.3 ppg., 3.9 rpg. 2.9 apg., and shooting 45.2 percent from the floor and 37.9 percent from behind the arc which included a team-high 58 triples. Hilgenberg averaged 7.1 ppg., and 2.9 rpg., while Rediger averaged 3.7 ppg., and 3.2 rpg., to go with a team-best 47 blocked shots. The five other letterwinners include juniors Betsy McManus, Kate Dessart Mager, Courtney Roantree and Jenna Viani and sophomore Jackie Adamshick.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS: Junior forward Liad Suez was named to the preseason All-Big East first team. The team was selected by a vote of the league head coaches. As a sophomore last year, Suez earned third team All-League distinction after averaging 13.3 ppg., 3.9 rpg., and 2.2 apg. Suez was joined on the preseason first team by Jacqueline Batteast (Notre Dame), Jessalyn Deveny (Boston College), Yolanda Paige (WVU), Cappie Pondexter (Rutgers), Ann Strother (Connecticut) and Barbara Turner (Connecticut). She started her junior season off in fine fashion on Sunday by scoring 20 points on 6-of-12 shooting, including a 4-of-7 effort from three-point range and a 4-of-5 effort from the foul line.
EXHIBITION PLAY: In its only exhibition game of the season, Villanova lost to the Netherlands National Team by a score of 90-79 in triple overtime in a game played at Villanova's Jake Nevin Field House on Friday, Nov. 5. The Wildcats led 35-24 at halftime and were up by as many as 14 in the second half before the Netherlands mounted a comeback to send the game into overtime. The Netherlands used a 14-3 run in the third overtime to earn the victory. In the loss, Villanova was led by junior Liad Suez who netted 18 points and sophomore Jackie Adamshick who tallied a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
VILLANOVA PICKED FIFTH: In the 2004-05 Big East Conference preseason coaches poll, the Villanova Wildcats were chosen to finish fifth in the 12-team member Big East Conference. The following is the coaches order of finish.
1. Connecticut (10)
BIG SHOES TO FILL: Villanova will be hard-pressed to duplicate the success that last year's senior class had during their Main Line careers. The Class of 2004 that included Jeanine Johnson, Courtney Mix and Kelly Nash finished their four-year careers with a 93-28 record, four-straight 20-win seasons, four consecutive NCAA Tournament berths, a Big East championship and a trip to the Elite Eight. As a senior last year, Mix led the team in minutes played (33.6 mpg.), rebounds (7.0 rpg.), assists (4.3 apg.), steals (47), ranked second in blocks (42) and third in scoring (7.7). In addition, she led the country in assist to turnover ratio at 5:1. Nash was the team's top three-point shooter a year ago connecting on 55-of-126 from behind the arc for 43.7 percent. Nash also led the Big East in three-point field goal percentage for just conference games at 44.4 percent. Johnson missed all of last season due to injury.
2004-05 SEASON PREVIEW
With eight letterwinners returning from last year's team that went 23-7 overall and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive season, hopes are high on the Main Line as the Wildcats prepare for the 2004-05 campaign.
For Villanova to be successful this upcoming season, the Wildcats will need to replace the leadership provided by last year's senior class. The 2004 senior class of Jeanine Johnson, Courtney Mix and Kelly Nash finished their Villanova careers with an impressive four-year record of 93-33 for a .738 winning percentage. The 93 victories ties them with the class of 1987 for most wins by a class in the program's history. In addition to the 93 wins, this trio also helped Villanova to four consecutive 20-win seasons, four-straight NCAA Tournament appearances, a trip to the Elite Eight and a Big East Tournament title.
GUARDS
Villanova's biggest question mark entering the 2004-05 season is who will step-up and help fill the void left by the graduation of all-everything point guard Courtney Mix and shooting guard Kelly Nash. As a senior last year, Mix led Villanova in rebounding (7.0 rpg.), assists (4.3 apg.), steals (1.5 spg.), minutes played (33.6 mpg.), was second in blocks (1.4 bpg.) and third in scoring (7.7 ppg.). Mix, who led the country a season ago in assist to turnover ratio with an incredible 5.0:1 ratio, graduated as one of the most versatile performers in Wildcat history. She played in all 126 games of her Main Line career and tallied 1,071 points (14th all-time in school history), 869 rebounds (third all-time), 457 assists (sixth all-time) and 209 steals. As Mix's backcourt mate last year, Nash shot an impressive 43.7 percent from behind the arc (55-of-126), including a Big East Conference best 44.4 percent (36-of-81) in just conference contests.
The leading candidates to replace Mix and Nash are juniors Betsy McManus (5-6, Pearl River, N.Y.) and Jenna Viani (5-11, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.) A pure point guard, McManus will provide Villanova with strong leadership skills and a great grasp of the game. Due to her quickness and basketball instincts, McManus is an outstanding defensive player. Viani is expected to earn minutes at both guard spots. A good outside shooter, Viani will be looked upon to be one of the team's top three-point shooters. Viani also possesses the ability to put the ball on the floor and
score inside.
A third contributor in the Villanova backcourt will be junior Courtney Roantree (5-11, Philadelphia, Pa.). An outstanding three-point shooter, Roantree has a great understanding of the Villanova offense and is regarded as one of the team's smartest players. Look for Roantree to see significant playing time at the two-guard spot. Senior Sarita Hatcher (5-8, New York, N.Y.) and freshman Siobhan O'Connor (5-5, West Chester, Pa.) will fight for playing time in the Wildcat backcourt. Hatcher, who has good quickness and strong defensive skills, has shown great improvement throughout her career. O'Connor is a feisty point guard who possesses outstanding leadership skills and a great feel for the game.
FORWARDS
Leading the way at the forward spots will be senior Jennifer Hilgenberg (5-10, Readington, N.J.), junior Liad Suez (6-2, Even-Yehuda, Israel) and sophomore Jackie Adamshick (6-0, Allentown, Pa.). Hilgenberg provides the Wildcats with athleticism and experience. As a junior last year, she emerged as one of the team's top defenders, in addition to averaging 7.1 points per game, 2.9 rebounds per contest and 1.8 assists per game. After shooting just 20.0 percent from three-point range (3-of-15) as a sophomore, Hilgenberg improved her long distance shooting last year by connecting on 26-of-71 from behind the arc (36.6%).
Suez developed into one of the top offensive players in the Big East last year. In her first year of collegiate basketball in 2003-04, Suez averaged a team-best 13.3 points per game, while shooting 45.2 percent from the floor (149-of-330). She also led the Wildcats in three-point shooting by making 58-of-153 (37.9%) from behind the arc. Suez, who was named third team All-Big East last year, registered double figures in points in 22 of Villanova's 30 games a year ago, including six 20-point performances.
A big reason for Villanova's success in the second half of last year was due in large part to the play of Adamshick. In her last 12 games of the 2003-04 season, she shot 54.9 percent (49-of-90) from the field, 46.8 percent (15-of-32) from three-point range for an average of 12.3 points per game during that span. Adamshick continued her outstanding play this summer when she led Villanova in both scoring and rebounding on its five game summer tour of Italy. A dedicated performer with a great work-ethic, Adamshick will make a bid for All-Conference honors in 2004-05.
Two newcomers will also be in the mix for playing time at forward. Redshirt freshman Stacie Witman (6-0, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.) and true freshman Lisa Karcic (6-0, New Hyde Park, N.Y.) will fight for playing time at the forward positions. Witman will provide the Wildcats with offensive firepower, while Karcic is a well-rounded performer who has the potential to be a top-notch Big East performer. Adding depth at forward will be sophomore Clarisse Garcia (5-10, Aliquippa, Pa.).
CENTER
The center spot will be handled this year by senior Jana Rediger (6-3, Sellersville, Pa.) and junior Kate Dessart Mager (6-0, Media, Pa.). Rediger, who is in her fifth-year with the Wildcat program, will provide the `Cats with experience and size in the middle. A tireless worker, Rediger registered a team-high 47 blocked shots last season. Dessart Mager will give Villanova scoring punch in the frontcourt. As a sophomore last year, she shot a team-best 49.5 percent (49-of-99) from the floor and averaged 4.2 points per game in 14.6 minutes per contest. Look for Dessart Mager's minutes and production to increase in 2004-05 as she looks poised for a breakout year. The versatile Liad Suez may also see playing time at center.
SCHEDULE
Villanova will play a demanding non conference schedule in 2004-05. The Wildcats will tip-off the season at home on Sunday, Nov. 21 against perennial national power Penn State. Two days later, the `Cats play their first road contest of the year at Fairfield. During the Thanksgiving holiday, Villanova will head west to participate in the UNLV Tournament. ACC power North Carolina will be Villanova's first round opponent, while host UNLV will play Texas Arlington. Following the Thanksgiving trip, the Wildcats travel to the nation's capital to battle George Washington.
The month of December will be highlighted by Villanova's Philadelphia Big Five schedule. Villanova will host LaSalle and Temple and play at Pennsylvania and Saint Joseph's in City Series action. The Wildcats will close out December with a neutral site game against Kansas State and a home game versus Manhattan.
In Big East play this year, Villanova play five teams on a home and home basis and every other opponent just once. The five teams the `Cats will play twice include Georgetown, Providence, Seton Hall, Syracuse and West Virginia. Villanova will play host to Notre Dame, Rutgers and St. John's and will play at Boston College, Connecticut and Pittsburgh.
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Villanova Wildcat Athletics Women's Basketball
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