CAMBRIDGE, MA – Mitchell College (9-7-1) topped defending New England Collegiate Conference women's soccer champion Lesley University, 2-1 Saturday evening, earning the Mariners first NECC title and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

Lesley's Jackee Sanchez (Fair Oaks Ranch, CA/Golden Valley) fired a shot from six yards out to give the Lynx an early 1-0 advantage at 1:57. For the freshman,  it was her team-leading eighth goal of the year and second of the postseason.

The lead lasted but moments, as Mitchell evened the score on a shot by sophomore Lauren Fritisch (Cromwell, CT/Cromwell) assisted by Caley McClendon (Keene,  NH/Keene). The teams exchanged shots for the rest of the half, going into intermission tied 1-1 and even in the shots department at 6-6.

Lesley, which topped Daniel Webster in penalty kicks at Edward Field on Thursday, looked destined for its third overtime period in as many nights. At 82:04, however, McClendon scored from 25 yards out on an open net when Lynx goalkeeper Corinne Dasti (Eastham, MA/Nauset) ventured out of the box, giving the Mariners a one goal lead with seven minutes remaining.

Behind goalkeeper Kaylee Woodford (Niantic, CT/Morgan), who grabbed a game-high six saves, the Mariners lead held, and Damien Houlden's team earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

For Mitchell, Angie Smith (Meriden, CT/Platt) was named NECC Tournament Most Valuable Player. Sanchez, Katherine Bradley, Dory Lecount and Jamie Coyne represented Lesley on the NECC All-Tournament Team.

Houlden's Mariners will learn the team's NCAA Tournament opponent Monday morning, at which time the field of 63 is announced. Lesley and senior Chelsea Quackenbush (East Hampton, CT/East Hampton), who played in her program-record 80th career match, end 2010 at 11-6-3.


2010 New England Collegiate Conference
Women's Soccer All-Tournament Team

MVP: Angie Smith, Mitchell, Jr., M
Daniel Webster: Amy Waller, Jr., GK
Daniel Webster: Kim Lemire, Sr., F
Elms: Christina Goodchild, Fr., M
Elms: Jennifer Killion, Jr., F
Lesley: Katherine Bradley, So, M
Lesley: Jamie Coyne, So., M  
Lesley: Dory Lecount, Sr., D
Lesley: Jackee Sanchez, Fr., M
Mitchell: Caley McClendon, Fr., F
Mitchell: Shannen Pelletier, Jr,. M
Mitchell: Nina Giansanti, Fr,. D