BOSTON, Mass. - Mari Creatini of Northeastern University broke a scoreless tie, as the Huskies defeated the University of Maine, 4-0 at Sweeney Field to win their eighth America East Field Hockey Championship in 13 years. The top-seeded Huskies, 17-4, earn the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Championship. It will mark the 12th trip to the NCAA Tournament for Northeastern.
Creatini scored her 14th goal of the season with 27:40 left in the second half off an assist from First Team All-Conference selection Liane Dixon.
Maine, 15-4, had few opportunities to score throughout the game, as Northeastern's defense stifled the Black Bears attack, and recorded their 10th shutout of the season.
The Huskies poured it on after netting their first goal, scoring two more times within the next six minutes, on goals by Sara Webber and Sarah Broderick. Broderick added another goal with 16:16 remaining in the game on the second assist of the afternoon from Defensive Player of the Year Fior Arrindell.
Emily Roy had two saves in the Northeastern net. Jaye Lance had four saves for the Black Bears.
This is the second consecutive Championship for Northeastern, after capturing the title in 2001.
Northeastern (17-4) 0 4 -- 4
Maine (15-4) 0 0 -- 0
Scoring
First Half
Second Half
NU - Mari Creatini (14) (Liane Dixon), 27:40 left
NU - Sara Webber (7)(unassisted), 24:24 left
NU - Sarah Broderick (9) (Fior Arrindell) 22:13 left
NU - Sarah Broderick (10)(Fior Arrindell) 16:16 left
Shots: Northeastern 13, Maine 3
Penalty Corners: Northeastern 12, Maine 3
Saves: Northeastern (Emily Roy, 70:00, 2); Maine (Jaye Lance, 49:51, 4)(Colbey Smith, 19:09, 0)
All-Championship Team: Shawn Carney, Vermont; Amanda Paquette, Vermont; Tara Bedard, Maine; Aime Dubois, Maine; kim Leo, Maine; Emily Roy, Northeastern; Mari Creatini, Northeastern; Fior Arrindell, Northeastern; Sarah Broderick, Northeastern (Most Outstanding Player).
America East Field Hockey Championship
at Sweeney Field, Boston, Mass.
Friday, November 8, 2002
No. 1 Northeastern 5, No. 4 Vermont 0
No. 2 Maine 4, No. 2 New Hampshire 3 (OT)
Sunday, November 10, 2002
Northeastern 4, Maine 0