Sept. 18, 2007

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Villanova goalkeeper Maura McCormick has been named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week for her outstanding play this past weekend as the Wildcats upset No. 3 nationally-ranked Connecticut by a score of 3-2.

Villanova scored the game-winning goal off a penalty corner with under three minutes left in regulation. However, the goal would have been insignificant if not for McCormick's tremendous effort between the pipes throughout the game. The redshirt freshman faced 20 total shots from the highly touted Huskie offense and recorded 11 saves, which fell just short of tying her season and career high of 13. She also played a major role in spoiling most of Connecticut's 11 penalty corners, which have a reputation of being extremely effective.

As of this week, McCormick is tied for first place in the BIG EAST with two shutouts. In addition, the Forty Fort, Pa. native currently ranks second in the conference in saves per game with 5.67.

Also earning recognition this week is team captain Stephanie Campbell, who was selected to the BIG EAST Honor Roll for her contributions in Villanova's victory over Connecticut. The senior's game-winning goal snapped the Huskies seven-game winning streak, handed Connecticut its first loss of the season, and marked the highest nationally ranked team head coach Joanie Milhous has ever defeated in her time on the Main Line.

Campbell registered her fourth goal of the season this past Sunday when she collected a pass from teammate Jenn Nazarethian at the top of the circle to lift the Wildcats to victory. The Gibbsboro, N.J. native has continuously proved that she is lethal on offensive penalty corners as all four of her goals this season have been scored on straight shots.