Women’s Soccer Wins 2014 ECAC New England Championship in Penalty Kicks

Framingham, MA- Framingham State University women's soccer team has won the 2014 Eastern Conference Athletic Conference (ECAC) New England Div. III Women's Soccer Championship in penalty kicks over The University of New England. Rams junior goalkeeper Sara Sullivan (Quincy, Mass.) was named the tournaments' most outstanding player after stopping two attempts and netting her own attempt in penalty kicks of the championship game Saturday afternoon. The Rams and The University of New England played to a 0-0 draw however, Framingham State won the penalty kick tie-breaker and were crowned champions.

The two teams played for 110 minutes without either team netting a goal. Both squads had opportunities in regulation to get on the board but couldn't tally. In the 28^th minute the Nor' Easters hit a one time shot that initially seemed to be the game's opening score but was waved off because a UNE player was offside. The Nor'Easters did not register an official shot on net the entire contest.

In the 101^st minute senior Brini Varetimos' (North Attleboro, Mass.) shot hit the post generating a rebound to classmate Marisa Parent (Revere, Mass.) that she placed just wide of the net.

In the 108^th minute senior Kaitlyn Hall (Dayton, ME) had an open look at net from about 25 yards out and her shot sailed just high.

UNE opened the shootout period and their first attempt was saved by Sullivan. The Rams keeper then converted a penalty kick to give FSU an advantage that they would not let slip away. All four Rams converted their attempts Sullivan, Isabela DeSouza (Framingham, Mass.), Parent & Claryssa Cunniff (Framingham, Mass.). Taylor Littlefied (Sanford, ME), Tori Field (Woolwich, ME) and Kayla Hamel (Lewiston, ME) converted their attempts but Sullivan was able to stop two of the five to propel the Rams to victory.

Sophomore Brielle Robinson (Monson, Mass.) made 6 saves in her shutout performance. Sullivan did not register an official save in her 120 minute performance however, was instrumental in the Rams defensive play.