Sept. 20, 2005

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Villanova field hockey (6-1, 1-0 Big East) made history Tuesday as they were named #17 in the country according to the NFHCA poll. This marks the first time in the program's history it has been nationally ranked.

The Big East made its mark in the rankings placing No. 13 Louisville and No. 15 Connecticut as well as the Wildcats.

Villanova is currently on top of the Big East Conference at 1-0. Last weekend, the team upset UConn in Storrs, Conn., 4-3 after coming back from a three-goal deficit in the second half. The team also swept the Big East Player of the Week awards, the conference announced Monday. Junior Lauren Campanelli was named the offensive player, while senior captain Natalie Balthrop garnered defensive accolades.

The Wildcats play another non-conference game Wednesday night at Lehigh at 7 p.m. before meeting Rutgers in their second Big East contest of the season on Friday.