PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The No. 20 Old Dominion Women's field hockey team (5-6, 2-1) takes on Big East opponents Villanova (3-8, 0-3) this Friday at 7:00 p.m. and No. 17 Temple (9-3, 2-1) this Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
After starting the season against seven ranked teams, Old Dominion has rebounded and is on a four-game win streak. In those four games, the Lady Monarchs have outscored their opponents 19-2 and are currently second in the Big East in shots per game with 15.55. ODU has not allowed a goal in over 171 minutes. ODU is currently tied for third place in the Big East with Temple at 2-1. Last Sunday, ODU defeated Georgetown by a 7-0 final. Junior forward Rosario Villagra scored three goals in that game and was named to the Big East Honor Roll for the second consecutive week.
"I think we need to continue with what has been working for us recently," said ODU head coach Andrew Griffiths. "Playing simple hockey and moving the ball quickly. Our individual defensive play all over the field also must keep getting better."
Weekend Preview:
Lady Monarchs Against BIG EAST Villanova Friday 7:00 p.m.
Series Record: ODU Leads 3-0
Villanova Player to Watch: Junior forward Jessica Swoboda. Leads the team with five goals and 14 points. Swoboda registered one goal this past weekend in the Wildcats 5-3 loss to St. Joseph's.
Last Meeting: Aug. 30, 2009 - ODU defeated the Wildcats 7-1 from the L.R. Hill Sports Complex. ODU was led by Kathryn Kirk and Rachel Stream who each scored twice while five Lady Monarchs registered at least one goal.
Lady Monarchs Against BIG EAST No. 17 Temple Sunday 1 p.m.
Series Record: ODU Leads 18-1-1
Temple Player to Watch: Senior midfielder Molly Doyle. Doyle is second on the team with eight goals and 19 points. This past weekend Doyle tallied all three goals in the Owls 3-1 home win against Bucknell, the lone goal in the 2-1 overtime loss to Louisville and was named to the Big East Honor Roll for her performance.
Last Meeting: Oct. 1, 2001 - ODU won in convincing fashion 9-0 from Foreman Field. ODU's Angie Loy scored a hat trick and Tara Hermann registered two goals while six different Lady Monarchs registered at least one goal.
GAME COVERAGE
Live stats of Friday's game will be available at http://www.villanova.com/gametracker/launch/gt_wfieldh.html?event=1253290&school=nova&sport=wfieldh&camefrom=&startschool=&
Friday's game will be broadcasted by Nick Mantegna on Nova Nation All Access. Live video of Friday's game can be found here- http://www.villanova.com/allaccess/?media=402117
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