SALISBURY UNIVERSITY FIELD HOCKEY EDGES CATHOLIC TO WIN CAC CHAMPIONSHIP
Sea Gulls Claim 11th Straight Field Hockey Crown with 3-1 Victory

SALISBURY, Md. * Salisbury University extended its field hockey dominance over
the Capital Athletic Conference by winning its 11th consecutive title at Sea
Gull Field on Saturday.

The rematch of a highly competitive regular season game between Salisbury and
Catholic did nothing to disappoint. Salisbury's Sarah Tracey (Hampstead,
MD/Hereford) scored her second goal in as many games with a rifle shot that
found the left corner of the cage. Tracey took the penalty corner pass from
Brittany Elliott (Delmar, DE/Delmar), stopped it and blasted a goal all in one
motion.

Tracey's goal stood up until 19:42 left in the game when Catholic's Jamie Punyko
shoved a rebound past Maria Ramoundos (Gloucester, NJ/Highland) to even the
score at 1-1. The next 13 frantic minutes featured eight penalty corners for
Salisbury, yet the go-ahead goal eluded them. Sea Gull Head Coach Dawn
Chamberlin substituted two forwards off the bench with fresh legs. Her move paid
off when a rested Natalie Beck (Crofton, MD/Arundel) raced past Catholic
defenders and placed a beautiful backhand pass in front of the goal for Brittany
Elliott. All-American Elliott did not miss, giving the Sea Gulls a 2-1 lead and
some breathing room down the stretch.

Salisbury did not allow another shot after Elliott's goal, and the Sea Gulls
added a goal with no time left  on a Megan Powell (Elkton, MD/Rising Sun) score.
Salisbury held the advantage throughout most of the game, allowing only three
shots on goal. After Catholic tied the game with 20 minutes remaining, the Sea
Gulls stepped up their intensity and rallied for the win and the CAC
Championship.

The Sea Gulls next action will be in the NCAA tournament. Their opponent will be
determined tomorrow night as the field hockey tournament will be announced by
NCAA. The #1 nationally ranked Sea Gulls will carry a 17-1 record into
tournament play looking to capture a third straight national championship.