'KEENE, N.H. 5/9/04 - Michelle Mason's (Fairport, N.Y.) goal at the 1:23 mark of sudden death lifted top seed Keene State College to an exhilarating 17-16 victory over third seed Eastern Connecticut State University in the Championship game of the ECAC Division III New England Women's Lacrosse Tournament played Sunday at Owl Athletic Complex.

Mason, who was selected the Tournament MVP after scoring a record nine goals in the game, circled form behind the net and fired a shot that beat ECSU goalie Erika Blozie (South Windsor, Conn.) with the game-winner. "I tried to get an open shot and not throw the ball away," said Mason.  "I didn't realize it was in the net until I was down of the ground and everyone was piling of me."

The game, which had 11 ties, saw Eastern Conn. take a 16-14 lead with 3:29 to play on a goal by Ashley Able (Mystic, Conn.).   Mason scored on a free position shot at the 2:14 mark, and Natalie Kent (Billerica Mass.), one of seven seniors on the team that attended graduation earlier in the day, sent the game into overtime with just eight seconds left on the clock.  "I knew time was running out and I just went for it," she said.

Tied 16-16 after regulation, the shootout turned into a tough defensive struggle in the two overtime periods with both goalies coming up with big stops.  Blozie denied both Mason and Kent with strong scoring bids in the first overtime, and KSC goalie, Jamie Litch (Addison, Vt.) made a save on a free position shot by Mo Deegan (Westport, Conn.) in the second overtime period.

Deegan hit the post on a drive early in the sudden death period, but KSC regained possession.   Following a stoppage in play, Mason gave the Owls their first post-season championship.  "It's an incredible feeling winning a game like this that had so many lead changes, said the junior attacker, everyone dug down deep to get the victory."

KSC (13-5), which set a program record for victories this season, was making its second trip to the ECACs.  They lost in the opening round to Springfield College last year. "It's amazing how this program has taken off," said third-year coach Emily Johnson.  "We've added talented players, but a good deal of credit has to go to the seniors.  They wanted to go out as champions."

Mason's had two assist to go with her nine goals, while Kent finished with three goals and an assist to led KSC.   Deegan had four goals and three assists to lead the Warriors (9-8), who won the ECAC title in 2002 and lost in last year's championship to Plymouth State. Litch had 10 saves for Keene State while Blozie stopped 18 Owl shots.

ECSU defeated KSC 12-10 earlier in the season.