Big East play begins for Owls

The time for Big East play is finally here.

Temple will take on Villanova Friday night in its first conference game of the year and its first ever in the Big East.

The Owls have enjoyed a good 2013 campaign so far, with a 4-2 record and the nation’s No. 14 ranking.

With a 2-4 record, Villanova has struggled to find its footing this season. They beat St. Louis 4-2, but closed out last weekend with a 4-1 loss to Kent State.

Temple was shutout 2-0 on the road by Delaware last Friday, but bounced back with a dominating 6-0 win against Monmouth at home the next day.

Redshirt junior goalkeeper and co-captain Lizzy Millen has done a great job protecting the cage this season, with the second best save percentage in the nation at .828.

The defense in front of her has played well too, helping to hold opponents to an average of 1.67 goals per game.

Junior forward Amber Youtz is coming off a four-goal and 10-point performance against Monmouth last weekend and is averaging over a goal a game heading into Friday night.

Friday night will also be the first time Temple plays Villanova since 2005. The Wildcats won the last matchup eight years ago 2-1.