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Loretto, PA -- For the first time since 2007, a single school has claimed the Northeast Conference women's socer regular season and tournament title. Saint Francis University won the 2013 #NECWSOC championship in front of a home crowd Sunday, defeating LIU Brooklyn, 1-0.
Four-time NEC Player of the Year Tesa McKibben (Cogan Station, PA/Montoursville) broke a 71 minute scoring draught, putting the Red Flash on the board. The senior found the back of the net on a pass from classmate Barbara Maros de Carvalho (Sao Paulo, Brazil/Colegio Sagrado Coraco de Jesus). Maros de Carvalho navigated up the right side, and quickly slid a pass to the Middle. McKibben took a left-footed shot to beat veteran goalkeeper Jessica Sexton (Rochester, NY/Greece Arcadia).
In a back and forth tilt, defense was the name of the game. Both teams played with heavy pressure. Saint Francis U took 16 shots, but held LIU Brooklyn to two. McKibben and Ellie Gavin (Hilliard, OH/Bishop Watterson) each took four shots, targeting two and three respectively on goal.
Red Flash defender Alecia McNiff (Marietta, PA/Donegal) was instrumental to the win helping Saint Francis U to its fourth shutout of the season. She was named Tournament MVP for her efforts.
This was the fourth consecutive season the Blackbirds and Red Flash competed for the tournament title. This is now Saint Francis U's second NEC Championship win in program history.
Saint Francis U landed eight shots on goal and six corner kicks, while LIU Brooklyn had one shot on goal and two corners.
2013 Northeast Conference All-Tournament Team
Tournament MVP: Alecia McNiff, SFU
Tesa McKibben, SFU
Barbara Maros de Carvalho, SFU
Ellie Gavin, SFU
Laura Stayrook, SFU
Jessica Sexton, LIU
Shino Kunisawa, LIU
Shannon O'Connor, LIU
Kasey Schiavoni, FDU
Katey Arathoon, FDU
Tori Sousa, CCSU
Claire Walsh, CCSU
2013 NEC Women's Soccer Championship
Hosted by Saint Francis U - Loretto, PA
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