For the second year in a row, the New York University women's soccer team faced host Springfield College in the finals of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Championship. And, for the second-consecutive season, the Violets fell just short as they were defeated by the Pride in penalty kicks.

Sophia Danielsen of NYU (13-5-4) and Ciara Boucher of Springfield (16-6-2) each recorded shutouts in 110 minutes of action before the game went to penalty kicks.

In the penalty kick shootout, the Pride successfully scored on all three of their attempts and the Violets could not get the ball past Boucher.

"We possessed the ball well and limited their opportunities throughout the game," said Head Coach Michele Canning. "We needed to be better with finishing our chances. But, their goalkeeper had an excellent game and definitely impacted the result." 

Alex Benedict and Isabelle Turner carried the NYU offense all afternoon, taking seven and five shots, respectively. Kim Quiles, who took three shots, was the Pride's top attacking threat.

Danielsen saved all four Springfield shots on goal, while Boucher saved all seven from the Violets. 

Benedict, Maddie Pena and Maddie Howard were each named to the ECAC All-Tournament Team.

"All of our players put a lot of effort and energy into the season," Canning offered. "We played some first-class soccer. I'm especially grateful to our seniors and how much they helped raise the level of the program. We look forward to building on that solid foundation in the future." 

The Violets conclude the 2017 campaign with their fourth-straight winning season and the sixth in seven years under Canning. NYU captured the ECAC Metro Championship in both 2011 and 2015 under Canning's direction.