BOSTON? Northeastern junior Mari Creatini scored with 2:32 to go in the first half as the top-seeded Northeastern University field hockey team won its third consecutive America East Championship on Sunday afternoon defeating No. 3 Maine 2-0 at Sweeney Field. The Huskies earn the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Championship. The pairings for the field will be announced at 8 p.m. Tuesday at naccsports.com.

The game-winning goal came as Whitney Shean crossed the ball from left to right in front of the net, setting up Creatini who had an open look outside and fired the ball into the right corner of the goal.

Both teams were led by strong defensive efforts and goaltending, with goalkeepers Jaye Lance of Maine and Diana Nelson of Northeastern each making three saves.

The Black Bears applied plenty of pressure in the second half, but the Husky defense and a late insurance goal by Championship Most Outstanding Player Liane Dixon sealed the win for Northeastern.

Joining Dixon on the all-championship team were fellow Huskies Creatini, Nelson and Sara Webber, along with Karly Bundy, Amie Dubois and Rebecca Ouellet from Maine, Lindsey Domers and Celeste Hubbard from Boston University, and Christina Buckley and Sam Carr from University of New Hampshire.

Maine finishes the season 15-6 overall. Northeastern improves to 17-5 and will go to the NCAA Championship for the 13th time.

SCORING
Northeastern - Mari Creatini (Whitney Shean), 32:28
Northeastern - Liane Dixon (unassisted), 65:56

SHOTS
Maine: 3
Northeastern: 5

PENALTY CORNERS
Maine: 7 Northeastern: 9

SAVES
Maine: Jaye Lance (70:00, 3 saves)
Northeastern: Diana Nelson (70:00, 3 saves)