2005 has thus far been an unprecedented success for Villanova field hockey.

Prior to this season, the team’s best record was 13-8, achieved in 1999. This year, the team stands at 14-4.

This year marks the first time in the program’s history that it has won the City 6 Crown.

To top it off, Villanova field hockey has tied Connecticut for a share of the regular season title and, having beating UConn in regular season play for the first time in several years, will take the top seed in the four-team Big East Tournament.

“This entire year has been a total team effort with a very special team,” head coach Joanie Q. Milhous told Villanova.com. “They work hard for each other and have great attitudes. We will continue to stay focused for the tournament and take it game by game.”

‘Nova clinched the top Big East seed this past Sunday by defeating Providence in a convincing 4-1 fashion. The game marked the final home game for the Wildcat seniors. It was also the team’s final regular season game.

Next on the slate for the ‘Cats will be the Syracuse Orangemen. Syracuse provided Villanova with its only Big East loss in a 4-3 upset over Villanova on Oct. 8.

The winner of the Villanova-Syracuse battle will move on to face either UConn or Louisville in what will be the Big East Championship. Against these two teams, ‘Nova has found a way to create two come-from-behind, last second wins.

The first round game against Syracuse will take place on Nov. 4 at Rutgers University in Piscataway, NJ. The final will take place on Nov. 6.

Following the Big East Tournament is the NCAA Tournament. Only 16 teams qualify for the tournament, consisting of six conference champions and ten at large bids.

Villanova, currently ranked 17th in the nation, will be on the bubble for the tournament but will rely on a positive performance in the Big East to clinch a spot.

The Wildcats, who now hold fate in their own hands, will look to convert regular season success to postseason success in the weeks to come.