Wildcat Field Hockey Advances To Big East Championship Game :: Senior co-captains lead by example in a double-overtime victory over Boston College.

Senior co-captains lead by example in a double-overtime victory over Boston College.

Nov. 3, 2001

Chestnut Hill, Mass. --- In the opening round of the 2001 Big East Championships, Villanova ousted the No. 2 seed Boston College, 3-2 in double overtime. Wildcat senior co-captain Stephanie Vrettos (West Long Branch, N.J.) weaved her way through the Eagles defense and scored the game-winning goal with 7:55 remaining in the second overtime period. The victory advances Villanova into the championship game versus No. 1 seed Syracuse on Sunday, Nov. 4 in Chestnut Hill, Mass.

The Wildcats found themselves down 1-0 at intermission. Boston College junior Kim French put the Eagles on the scoreboard at the 11:28 mark of the first half to account for the lone first half goal.

Villanova senior co-captain Brooke Bergmann (Fallsington, Pa.) paced the Wildcats in the second half scoring two goals on penalty corners. Bergmann, a unanimous selection to the 2001 All-Big East First Team, tallied her first goal at the 27:17 mark of the second half to even the score at 1-1.

The Eagles responded with a goal of their own with 21:53 remaining in regulation. Boston College senior Amelie Wulff passed to a wide-open Kerri Doherty at the top of the circle. Doherty fired a shot past Villanova goalkeeper Meghan Helwig (Basking Ridge, N.J.) for the Eagles second lead of the afternoon, 2-1.

The relentless Villanova offensive attack retaliated with 8:04 left to play with Bergmann's second goal of the afternoon. Bergmann's goal came as a result of the Wildcats ninth corner of the afternoon forcing the game to overtime. Sophomore Christina Lugones (Oceanport, N.J.) and freshman Vanessa Pizzulli (Oceanport, N.J.) assisted on both Villanova goals.

Vrettos tallied the game-winner just over seven minutes into the second overtime period to earn the Wildcats the 3-2 victory. Vrettos' goal was set up by classmate Krissy Malchitsky (Perkiomenville, Pa.).

Villanova's defensive efforts proved to be the difference in the contest. The Wildcats defense did not allow any shots in either overtime period, despite two Boston College penalty corners. Helwig, the 2001 Big East Goalkeeper of the Year, made eight saves in the victory.

Villanova and Syracuse face-off on Sunday, Nov. 4, at Alumni Stadium. The game is scheduled to start at noon.

For more information contact Kevin Fischer at (610) 519-6460 in the Villanova Media Relations Department.