By Alex Gallucci

staff reporter

Returning from a breakthrough season last year, the women’s field hockey team has even higher standards for the ’06 season. The team made a strong start to its season this past Saturday as they swept past Appalachian State with a 5-1 victory. Sophomore Allison Boris led with three goals, while senior captain Megan Foster put in two more.

Despite achieving their first national ranking in program history in ’05, the team is trying not to get too caught up in this fact, says head coach Joanie Milhous.

“Last year was definitely a breakthrough for us, but our goal is to focus on the 2006 team, not last year’s team.”

While they continue to work hard to maintain their high ranking, Milhous stresses the importance of taking the season one day at a time, in addition to developing a balanced attack and strong communication on the field.

Ranking third in preseason Big East polls, Villanova will face stiff competition in the conference from Syracuse, top ranked Louisville and an always threatening UConn. But with the addition of seven freshmen and several strong returning players, the team has a promising future. Milhous quoted on the team’s chemistry as “awesome,” explaining that the group has clicked, and they are willing to trust each other: an extremely important factor for the team’s success.

The Wildcats will take on Hofstra in Hempstead, N.Y. Saturday at 11:30 a.m.