Niagara will join the growing list of first-time NCAA tournament participants after capturing its first-ever MAAC championship on Sunday in Fairfield, Conn.
The Purple Eagles join Binghamton, Coastal Carolina and LIU as first-time NCAA tournament teams after Rachel Crane deposited four goals in their 12-11 win over top-seeded Fairfield.
Fairfield’s season is not yet over, though. The Stags will find out tonight if their resume is strong enough to earn an at-large bid.
Sunday’s game was about as back-and-forth of a rollercoaster as you can have. Niagara stormed out to a 6-2 lead, then Fairfield scored six of the next seven to turn it around and lead 8-7.
Amanda Kozak gave Fairfield its last lead at 9-8 with four seconds left in the third quarter. Crane responded with the first two goals of the fourth quarter, then Annie Steigerwald deposited a goal of her own for an 11-9 advantage with 9:55 to play.
Fairfield’s final goal from the stick of Kelly Haggerty came with 7:50 remaining, but the Stags had one last threatening possession after that.
With 4:59 left, Libby Rowe hit the pipe. Kozak picked up the ground ball, and after a timeout, Haley Burns fired one wide. Kozak then had her shot saved by Jordan Roy with 4:24 left.
Fairfield didn’t attempt another shot in the game.
Roy made nine saves, none bigger than the denial of Kozak.
