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Aug. 4, 2004

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Providence, R.I. - Today the Big East Conference released its 2004 Women's Field Hockey Preseason Poll and All-Conference first team, with the Villanova Wildcats earning 16 points to rank third in the polls. The Wildcats finished the 2003 season at 4-1 in conference play and finished in a three-way tie for first in the Big East. Three `Cats also earned Preseason All-Conference honors: Senior back Vanessa Pizzulli, junior forward Rory Rogers and sophomore goalkeeper Erin Scott.

Pizzulli (Oceansport, N.J./Shore Regional) tied for third in the nation in defensive saves with seven last season. She also has 24 career assists, needing only nine more to set a new school record. Pizzulli finished the season offensively with two goals and five assists and also collected STX/NFHCA Second Team All-Mid Atlantic Region honors.

Rogers (Rosemont, P.A./Sacred Heart Academy) scored the second highest number of points on the squad during the 2003 season. One of the most potent weapons on offense, Rogers scored ten goals and added another four assists. These offensive accomplishments led to STX/NFHCA First Team All-Mid Atlantic Region honors in addition to the Preseason All-Big East Team honors.

Scott, (Malvern, P.A./ West Chester East) coming off a hugely successful freshman year, had a save percentage of over 70%, allowing just 35 goals the entire season. Scott was also named Big East and ECAC Defensive Player of the week on October 27 for her defensive efforts in the win vs. Providence, which resulted in a Wildcat shutout.

Boston College and Connecticut each received three first-place votes and share the top spot in the preseason poll. The Eagles edged the Huskies, 4-3 (OT) in the Big East Championship last season.

Rounding out the top six behind Boston College (23 points), Connecticut (23 points) and Villanova (16 points) are Syracuse (11 points), Rutgers (10 points) and Providence (7 points).

Conference play begins on Friday, September 17 when Rutgers hosts Syracuse. Villanova opens Big East action when they host Connecticut on September 19. The top four teams in the final Big East regular season standings will advance to the conference championship at J.S. Coyne Field in Syracuse, N.Y (November 5-7). The winner will receive the league's automatic bid to advance to the 2004 NCAA Field Hockey Championship.

Villanova is looking for their fourth consecutive Big East Tournament appearance. They have appeared in the championship game twice and the semi-finals once.

PRESEASON AWARDS
Offensive Player of the Year
* Lauren Henderson, Connecticut, Sr., F
Defensive Player of the Year
Kristen Madden, Boston College, Jr., B
Preseason All-BIG EAST Team
Bronwen Kelly, Boston College, Jr., M
Kristen Madden, Boston College, Jr., B
* Sara York, Boston College, Jr., F/M
Becky Helwig, Connecticut, Jr., M
* Lauren Henderson, Connecticut, Sr., F
* Abby Ostruzka, Connecticut, Sr., B
* Laura Puddle, Connecticut, Jr., M
Mary Szymonowicz, Rutgers, Sr., F
* Vanessa Pizzulli, Villanova, Sr., B
Rory Rogers, Villanova, Jr., F
Erin Scott, Villanova, So., GK
* - unanimous selection

2004 FIELD HOCKEY PRESEASON POLL
Points
1. Boston College (3)  23
Connecticut (3)  23
3. Villanova  16
4. Syracuse  11
5. Rutgers  10
6. Providence  7
First-place votes in parentheses