WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - Sarah Johnson's game-winner in the final minute capped a 2-1 victory in the America East Championship final, clinching No. 17 Stanford a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Making its third appearance in the conference tourney final, Stanford (15-6, 4-0 America East) was crowned America East champions for the first time since winning back-to-back titles in 2016-17.
Knocking off host No. 20 Monmouth for its fifth top-25 win of the season, Stanford secured the America East's automatic NCAA bid and will await its postseason path during tonight's selection show (7 p.m. PT). The Cardinal will be making its 17 NCAA Tournament appearance overall and 10th over the last 13 seasons.
The Cardinal completed an impressive tournament run, winning three consecutive low-scoring games thanks to a stingy defense and opportunistic offensive play.
Stanford broke through for a 1-0 lead at the 5:36 mark of the first quarter, as Corinne Zanolli increased her nation-leading goal total to 30 with an unassisted finish. After producing a single-season school-record 26 goals as a sophomore in 2018, Zanolli has eclipsed that mark in 2019 while leading the country in goals (30) and points (63).
Zanolli ripped off a game-high six shots on Sunday, helping the Cardinal finish with a 16-2 advantage in attempts.
Monmouth evened the match at 1-1 shortly after halftime, as Josephine van der Hoop scored following a deflection.
Stanford continued to press in the final quarter, attempting seven of its 10 penalty corners over the final 15 minutes.
The Cardinal finally capitalized at the 58:04 mark when Johnson tapped home a quick pass from Isabelle Pilson.
For only the third time in her career – all resulting in wins – Kelsey Bing did not come up with a save.
Stanford blanked Albany 1-0 in the quarterfinals on Thursday and outlasted Maine 1-0 in a shootout on Friday to reach Sunday's final.
Bing, Johnson, Fenella Scutt and Zanolli represented the Cardinal on the All-Championship Team.
Additionally, Bing was awarded the America East's Elite 18 Award, as she carries a 3.95 GPA in mechanical engineering.