Aug. 7, 2007

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Junior Allison Boris and senior captain Stephanie Campbell have been selected to the 2007 All-BIG EAST Preseason Team. Last year, both Boris and Campbell were named to the All-BIG EAST Second Team for their outstanding play during the 2006 season where they led Villanova to a 13-8 record.

Boris finished last season as Villanova's second leading scorer with 14 goals and nine assists for a total of 37 points. The junior forward will be expected to lead a young offensive line after the graduation of leading scorer Megan Foster. With her tremendous speed and outstanding ball handling skills, Boris should have no problem stepping into the offensive leadership role.

Backfield veteran Campbell steps onto the field as a captain in her senior campaign. Campbell finished her junior year with three goals and nine assists to total 15 points. The Gibbsboro, N.J. native is expected to use her strong leadership and communication skills along with her solid hit and defensive prowess to anchor the defensive unit.

The Wildcats closed the 2006 season with a final record of 13-8 after bowing out of the BIG EAST Tournament with a loss to Providence. This year Villanova is projected to finish sixth during regular-season play in the seven-team conference. Defending BIG EAST Champion Connecticut earned the first place finish, as well as receiving the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year honors in junior Jennifer Kleinhans.

Villanova opens the 2007 season at home on Saturday, August 25 as they face Ball State University at 1:00 p.m. The Wildcats take on their first BIG EAST opponent on Sunday, Sept. 16 as they travel to Storrs, Conn. to face the Huskies.

2007 BIG EAST PRESEASON POLL

1.Connecticut

2.Louisville

3.Providence

4.Syracuse

5.Rutgers

6.Villanova

7.Georgetown

BIG EAST CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Janelle Avila, Sr., F, Louisville

Lizzy Peijs, Sr., F/M, Connecticut

BIG EAST DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Jennifer Kleinhans, Jr., B, Connecticut

ALL-BIG EAST PRESEASON TEAM

Lauren Aird, Jr., F, Connecticut*

Janelle Avila, Sr., F, Louisville*

Allison Boris, Jr., F, Villanova

Stephanie Campbell, Sr., B, Villanova

Rachel Chamberlain, So., GK, Providence

Marie-Claire Heller, Sr., GK, Louisville

Jennifer Kleinhans, Jr., B, Connecticut*

Amy Lewis, Jr., M, Rutgers*

Abby Maguire, Sr. F., Providence

Lizzy Peijs, Sr., F/M, Connecticut*

Michalagh Stoddard, Sr., D, Providence*

Meghan Wheeler, Jr., M, Connecticut

*-unanimous selection