SCRANTON, Pa.- The sixth-seeded Immaculata women's soccer team (6-11-2) travelled to fourth-seeded Marywood on a cold and windy afternoon for the first-ever Atlantic East Conference Championship, and Pacers used a 57^th minute goal to take a 1-0 lead and that's where the score would hold as the Pacers (9-11) claimed the inaugural conference crown.
 
This was the second conference title game appearance for the Mighty Macs in program history and they nearly completed a special week as the last team into the postseason tournament, but they came up just short and finished as Atlantic East Conference Runner-Up.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
-Each team took a few minutes to feel out the game as the offensive pace was slow to get going
-The Mighty Macs had the first real opportunity on the day with back-to-back corners near the midway point of the first half, but they were kept out of the net by the Marywood defense
-Freshman goalie Brooke Shissler and the IU defense were up to the challenge as well, limiting the Marywood attack and threats on the net
-Junior Carly Quigley had a shot just before time expired in the first half, but it was saved and the game was scoreless after the opening 45
-In the second half, it was the Mighty Macs with several attempts in the opening ten minutes, best by senior Carrie Quigley, but the Marywood keeper made a sprawling save
-Marywood scored what turned out to be the decisive goal in the 57^th minute as they had a free kick from 30 yards out that hit the cross bar, but the rebound sat in front of the net and was put away for a 1-0 lead
-In the 71^st minute, the Mighty Macs had a great chance on back-to-back plays as Carly Quigley blasted a shot from 40 yards out that was just batted away at the crossbar by the keeper, and on the ensuing corner kick, her shot was blocked
-The Macs continued to press looking for the equalizer and senior Morgan McDonough had a couple shots, one that was blocked and the next attempt went just wide and the Pacers ran out the clock on the victory
 
TEAM COMPARISON
-The Mighty Macs held an 18-16 advantage in shots, but the Pacers took ten on target to seven for the Macs
-Each team took four corner kicks
 
INDIVIUDAL LEADERS
-Shots: Carly Quigley 4, McDonough 3, Carrie Quigley 3, Rudd 3
-Saves: Brooke Shissler was strong again in the frame with nine saves for her third straight contest
 
WHAT THEY SAID
"Despite the outcome of today's game, this season was full of growth, excitement, and triumphs.  We were truly seen as the underdog but we persevered, especially when the stakes were high.  We are playing good soccer and this team has a lot to be proud of!  They earned every piece of this experience." – Head Coach Zena Tracey
 
"I'm grateful to have played in the championship game, especially as a freshman alongside such great teammates.  Unfortunately, we didn't get the result we wanted today, but I am looking forward to the seasons to come.  We will be back!" – Freshman goalie Brooke Shissler
 
"I'm so proud of our team for coming this far in the season.  We have overcome so many obstacles and worked hard to reach the championship game.  The IUWS program is stronger than it's ever been and I can't wait to see where their potential takes them and see them back in the championship again next year." – Senior midfielder Carrie Quigley
 
"This season was one of many firsts.  To be ranked seventh and make it to the final is a huge accomplishment in and of itself.  Although it didn't end in our favor, this season the team worked together to achieve a common goal and not once did anyone lose confidence in that.  I have seen more from IUWS this past season than any of my other seasons, and I am so proud to have went out this way with my teammates.  I have total confidence that going forward, nothing will be different from this season, other than who come out on top; IUWS will not stop." – Senior midfielder Morgan McDonough