BOX SCORE Teaneck, N.J. - The Saint Francis women's soccer (10-7-3) outlasted Fairleigh Dickinson on Sunday in penalty kicks to win its third NEC title in the last five years and its second in consecutive years. 

Van Stralen's Reaction

"Today emphasizes the importance of being a team," said head coach Brenda van Stralen. "Everybody played their role and did what was best for the team to succeed. Dakota and Jessica didn't play in regulation and then scored their penalties. I am so proud of the group and excited to continue our season in the NCAA Tournament." 

Turning Point

The teams battled to a 0-0 draw over 110 minutes in a steady rain to go into penalty kicks. Sophomore goalkeeper Julia Hernan (Collegeville, Pa./The Hill School) allowed just two goals on five attempts as Saint Francis converted three kicks to claim the title.

Highlights

• Freshman Emilee Barnett (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley) had the first chance of the match with a left-footed shot from the top of the box that went just wide. 
• Fairleigh Dickinson nearly opened the scoring moments later as Jessi Reinhardt pounced on a Saint Francis turnover and fired a shot just wide. 
• Neither team created many chances over the final 45 minutes of regulation. Sophomore Abigail Tarosky (North Huntington, Pa./Norwin) registered two shots on goal and the Red Flash escaped a mad scramble in its own box over the final five minutes.
• Freshman forward Mariana Jaleca (Sebtubal, Portugal/) appeared to win the match with five minutes to play in the second overtime period but her shot went off the post. Sophomore Alyssa McGhee (Altoona, Pa./Bishop Guilfoyle) tested FDU keeper Amanda Fitzgerald with a shot on frame and the rebound fell to Jaleca but her shot from eight yards out went off the post.

Penalty Kick Summary

• Both teams failed to hit the frame on its opening kick then Jaleca redeemed her overtime miss with the first goal. The Knights matched to tie at 1-1 through two rounds.
• Sophomore Jessica Keller (Sandy Hook, Conn./Newtown) converted her kick in the third round as did FDU's shooter.
• Freshman Dakota Graham (Phoenixville, Pa./Phoenixville Area) then gave Saint Francis the lead in the fourth round. That's when Hernan made the largest save of her career, diving to her left to deny the Knights' fourth shooter. 
• After a Red Flash miss extended the match, FDU's fifth and final shot hit the post to ignite the celebration.

Notes

• Fairleigh Dickinson recorded 18 shots to Saint Francis's 11. 
• Shots on goal were 6-5 in favor of FDU.
• Hernan made six saves in regulation to stop 15 of 16 shots she faced in the Tournament.
• McGhee, Tarosky and junior Sara Suler (Hermitage, Pa./Hickory) led Saint Francis with two shots.
• Saint Francis wins its fourth title in program history, joining the teams from 2010, 2013 and 2016. Van Stralen has been the head coach for all four titles.
• Jaleca, Hernan, junior Shannon McGinnis (Macungie, Pa./Emmaus) and senior Gabi Morales (Madrid, Spain/Colegio La Inmaculada-Marillac) were named to the All-Tournament Team. Morales was named the Tournament MVP.
• Fifth-year senior Siobhan Bross (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) became the first player in school history to win three title as she was a freshman on the team that won in 2013.

Up Next

Saint Francis learns where it will end up in the NCAA Tournament tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. You can watch the NCAA Selection show live on NCAA.com.