SOMERVILLE, Mass. — The Husson University women's soccer team captured its sixth North Atlantic Conference championship Saturday evening, defeating Lesley University 2-0 at Dilboy Stadium to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament.
Junior Hailey Tarbox and sophomore Jaquie Pangburn scored for the Eagles, while Husson's defense held the Lynx without a shot on goal. Senior Olivia Charles, who assisted on Pangburn's goal, was named the tournament's most valuable player.
Husson (10-5-2) generated its first opportunity in the 11th minute when Tarbox put an attempt on target that was stopped by Lesley goalkeeper Lloy Bartolotti.
Tarbox broke through in the 27th minute, capitalizing on a failed clearance and scoring from the left side at 26:47. Her fifth goal of the season gave the Eagles a 1-0 advantage.
The Eagles kept Lesley (11-7-1) off the scoreboard throughout the remainder of the half, limiting the Lynx to three off-target attempts. Husson earned two late corner kicks and carried its one-goal lead into the break.
Charles helped the Eagles apply pressure early in the second half, forcing Bartolotti into a save in the 54th minute before sending another attempt wide just five seconds later.
Husson doubled its advantage in the 66th minute when Charles delivered a cross from the right side that found Pangburn, who finished into the lower corner at 65:03. The goal was Pangburn's seventh of the season and put the Eagles ahead 2-0.
Tarbox added a blocked attempt in the 69th minute, while Charles sent a shot wide in the 81st as Husson continued to generate chances. The Eagles' defense allowed just one shot over the final 45 minutes, a wide attempt in the 88th minute, to close out the championship victory.
Sophomore Gabriella Smith played all 90 minutes in goal to earn the shutout without needing to make a save. Husson finished with a 7-4 advantage in shots, including a 4-0 edge in shots on goal, and held a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Charles was named the North Atlantic Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player after scoring the lone goal in Husson's 1-0 semifinal victory over Maine Maritime Academy and assisting on Pangburn's goal in the championship match.
With the victory, Husson receives the NAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament. The Eagles will learn their opponent during the selection show Monday, Nov. 9, at 11:30 a.m.
