Aug. 23, 2005

WASHINGTON - Seniors Maureen Daniel (Clifton Park, N.Y./Shenendehowa), Heather Maranzano (Williamsburg, Va./Jamestown and Javiera Villagra (Santiago, Chile/Santiago) were named team captains for the 2005 season, head coach Steve Jennings announced on Tuesday.

Daniel, a First Team All-Region selection, was named captain for the second consecutive season. The First Team All-Patriot League member will anchor a defense that returns all but one starter from a year ago. Daniel, an integral part of the Eagles' penalty corner unit, finished tied for fourth on the team in points (20) in 2004 with seven goals and six assists.

Maranzano, a Second Team All-Patriot League member, will help control the midfield with Villagra. The Williamsburg, Va. native racked up a team-high nine assists last season and scored her first collegiate goal. Like Daniel, Maranzano is an integral part of the Eagles' corner unit.

Senior Maureen Daniel

Villagra was named captain for the second straight year, one season after becoming the school's second First Team All-American. Villagra was a dominant force in the midfield last season, creating turnovers and setting up scoring opportunities. Her 20 points last season tied her for fourth with Daniel, scoring nine goals and two assists during the year. "Maureen, Javiera and Heather are great ambassadors and leaders of the team, it is fitting that they be recognized and chosen by this year's squad to represent our program," said Jennings. "I know they will do a tremendous job and we look forward to getting the season started this weekend."

The Eagles wrapped up their most successful season in 2004, finished 19-3 overall while finishing ranked 7th in the STX/NFHCA Poll. Seventh year head coach Steve Jennings was named Division I National Coach of the Year after guiding the Eagles to their first NCAA Tournament win, a 3-1 victory over Iowa.

Senior Heather Maranzano

Jennings and the Eagles begin their quest for a third straight trip to the NCAA Tournament on August 27, 2005 when they travel to Richmond, Va., for a 12 p.m. match against the University of Richmond.