WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - Competing in its fourth shootout of the season, No. 17 Stanford delivered another clutch performance in a 1-0 victory over Maine in the semifinals of the America East Championship.
For the second straight day, Stanford (14-6, 4-0 America East) closed out a 1-0 win thanks to an incredibly stout defense. Leading the way was Kelsey Bing, who came up with three saves before denying all four attempts in the shootout.
Stanford will be making its first appearance in the America East final since repeating as champions in 2017 and third overall. The Cardinal faces host No. 20 Monmouth on Sunday at 9 a.m. PT with the conference's automatic NCAA berth on the line. Stanford has qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 10 of the last 12 seasons.
Despite the game's defensive-minded flow, Stanford owned advantages in shots (19-6) and penalty corners (6-3). After Maine (8-10, 4-1 America East) controlled the first quarter, the Cardinal consistently applied pressure throughout the game but was repeatedly turned away by Black Bear goalkeeper Mia Borley.
Corinne Zanolli was held scoreless for only the fifth time this season but managed to rattle off a career-high 11 shots. Jessica Welch and Lynn Vanderstichele chipped in with three attempts.
Zanolli and Emma Alderton both converted their attempts in the shootout.