WEST HARTFORD, CT ? The University of Hartford women's soccer team captured the 2006 America East Championship and earned a berth into the upcoming NCAA Women's College Cup with a 1-0 victory over the University of Maine on Saturday afternoon at Al-Marzook Field.

Junior Meagan Riemer, the America East Striker of the Year, scored the game-winning goal in the 76th minute. It was her team-leading eighth goal of the season. The win gave Hartford (10-8-2 overall) its seventh America East Championship title and first since 2002.

Hartford's dream season will continue in the NCAA Tournament. The Hawks, who will be making their 13th NCAA appearance, started the year with a 2-8-0 record. Since then, the team is undefeated in its last 10 games (8-0-2) and has won four straight. The 64-team Women's College Cup bracket will be announced on ESPNEWS on Monday, November 6, between 3-4 p.m. Eastern.

The Hawks started the championship game slowly, as the Black Bears pushed the pace in the opening 10 minutes. Maine recorded two shots during the span but put nothing on goal. Hartford quickly recovered and controlled the tempo for the majority of the first half. The Hawks nearly scored in the 16th minute off the foot of Riemer, though her shot hit off the far post and was cleared by a Maine defender.

After a scoreless first half, the Hawks finally broke through after a Maine foul yielded a free kick from 15 yards inside the midfield stripe. Sophomore Stephanie D'Aurio booted the ball into the box where a Maine defender tried to clear the ball back out. Riemer, waiting at the top of the box, volleyed the ball out of mid-air with her left foot and found the top-right corner of the goal.

Junior goalkeeper Liz Cook didn't face a shot on goal until the final 10 minutes of the game and finished with one save. She was named to the All-Championship Team along with Riemer, senior Crystal Morris and sophomore Kellie Leyland. Riemer was named the Championship's Most Outstanding Player.