FARMINGTON, Maine -- Fourth-seeded Husson University claimed the North Atlantic Conference Field Hockey Championship with a 2-0 win over third-seeded University of Maine at Farmington today at Prescott Field.  With the win, the Eagles will enter the NCAA Tournament.  Lorri Hiltz (So., Norridgewock, ME) was named most valuable player of the NAC Tournament.

The Eagles (9-7) -- winners of seven in a row -- receive the NAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament. The Beavers finished their season at 10-8.

Kajsa Blindow (Morgan, VT) and Skye Ellis (Belfast, ME) each scored a first-half goal for Husson. Blindow's tally came off a penalty corner with a pass by Lorri Hiltz (Norridgewock, ME) making its way through the defense with Blindow knocking it into the empty goal at 4:58. Ellis scored off a long cross through the circle by Courtney Allen (Gardiner, ME) at 30:01 for the 2-0 advantage.

The two scores were more than enough for the Eagle defense. Spirited by the likes of Helen Berry (Belfast, ME), Diann Ramsey (Otisfield, ME) and Caroline Bochtler (Turner, ME), the Beavers were limited to one shot on goal by Emma Deans (Gorham, ME), which was turned back by Husson goalkeeper Kristen Capen (Leeds, ME).

The Eagles outshot Farmington 7-5, but the visitors fired six shots on goal. The Beavers took eight corners to Husson's four. Six of the Beavers' corners came in the opening half.

Capen recorded one save for the Eagles.

Sarah Brown (Windham, ME) collected four saves for Farmington.

In her first year as Head Coach, Katie Flaherty has led the team to a season ending seven straight victories to claim the North Atlantic Conference Championship and earn a trip to the NCAA Tournament.  Flaherty credits the young team that pulled together down the back stretch of the season with a fighting spirit that increased their goal scoring ability and shored up their defense.  The NCAA Tournament match up will be announced early in the week.