Oct. 2, 2007

VILLANOVA, Pa. - As of Oct. 1, the Villanova field hockey team was an impressive 8-2 overall and 2-0 in Big East play. Included in the eight wins was a 3-2 win over No. 3 Connecticut. Recently, Villanova Coordinator of Media Relations Vanessa Pizzulli sat down with Wildcat head Joanie Milhous to discuss her team's early season success.

Q: You are currently 8-2 overall and 2-0 in the BIG EAST. What do you think has been the key to a successful first half of the season?

MILHOUS: Our key word so far this season has been: perseverance. We have dealt with so many obstacles so far this season regarding injuries from both the summer and throughout the first part of the season. As a result, we have been playing without some key players, and I am very pleased with the leadership of the captains and upperclassmen, as well as the performances of our freshmen class.

Q: You were leading North Carolina, the No. 3 team in the country at the time, 2-1 at halftime early in the season. What was your strategy heading into the second half?

MILHOUS: At halftime it was clear that we could compete with a high-caliber team, such as North Carolina. I told the players that we needed to continue to attack and play smart, disciplined field hockey for 35 minutes. We told them not to sit back on their heels and be satisfied with just playing a good first half.

Q: What would you say was the major breakdown in the second half as North Carolina went on to win 7-2?

MILHOUS: We have played top-5 teams, like North Carolina and Duke, in the past few years and have held the lead at halftime. Then we tend to get into the mentality that they just want to give their opponent a tough game for the remaining minutes, rather than realizing that they are indeed capable of winning the game. Their capability to win those games is something we need them to believe. As a coaching staff, we believe it. But, it's a necessity that every single one of our players believes it, too.

Q: Right now, your team is 2-0 in the BIG EAST. Where do you see the team headed in regards to conference play?

MILHOUS: Our next conference game is on the road at Syracuse. This game is critical because if we win, it will give us momentum going into the remaining BIG EAST contests against Georgetown, Louisville, and Providence. We gained a lot of confidence with the win at Connecticut. I think we have surprised a lot of people in the BIG EAST already this year since we were originally ranked at No. 6 out of seven teams in the preseason poll. Although it was a disappointing ranking, we wouldn't have wanted it any other way. We like taking on the role of the underdog.

Q: You have recruited a very talented freshmen class this year. Freshmen Meg Ryan and Lauren Wuzzardo are your two leading scorers with 34 combined total points as of Wednesday's 6-1 win over West Chester. Was this expected?

MILHOUS: Yes, but probably not so early. Due to injuries, they have been presented with more opportunities and have completely stepped up. We never doubted their capabilities. We just never expected them to produce so much so quickly.

Q: Is there any reason why they may have done so in such a short time?

MILHOUS: I think it's a combination of things. The freshmen class is one of the most talented that we have ever recruited. But, our captains, Stephanie Campbell and Catherine Somits, have played a crucial role in their quick development. Their leadership, along with that of our upperclassmen, has really set the overall tone for this team and our program's future.

Q: You mentioned the numerous injuries earlier. From a coaching standpoint, what changes were you forced to make? How did you handle the situation?

MILHOUS: Instead of not addressing the fact that we had these hampering injuries, we openly discussed the impact it had on the team with all the players. As a coaching staff, we presented these injuries as opportunities for our other players. It was just a matter of who wanted it the most.

Q: What adjustments have the players made?

MILHOUS: Obviously we have a number of freshmen in starting roles who might not have been there under different circumstances. We have also had a lot of people become utility players, such as freshman Ally Smith. She has been used at forward, midfield, and defense in our first nine games. And, she is just one example of how our girls have all been true team players and stepped into roles that we needed them to fill.

Q: Looking ahead at the rest of the season, what are your expectations?

MILHOUS: I expect us to keep rolling. We take one game at a time and have stressed the significance of each and every game. We teach our players to respect every opponent that steps on the field.

Q: This is your 13th season at Villanova. How have you seen the program progress over the years?

MILHOUS: It's been an exciting progression. We weren't very good during my first years as head coach, however, they were the key years. Those teams are the foundation of our program and played a major role in getting the program to where it is today.

Q: Where do you see the program going from here?

MILHOUS: We continue to bring in more and more talented players, which will only help us down the road. I know that we can be a top-10 team. We just have to continue to recruit talented, quality student-athletes and make sure that our current players keep producing the way they are now.