WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - The Hartford women's soccer team is headed back to the Conference of New England (CNE) Championship after defeating the University of New England by a 1-0 final. 

Rapid Recap:

• The Nor'easters had the first couple of opportunities in the contest with Karly Belisle and Emily Talbot each getting shots saved by senior Sejal Johnson (Weddington, N.C.). Hartford had its first chance in the 15th minute as freshman Sophia Coer (Thomaston, Conn.) had a shot stopped by UNE keeper Haley Coombs. The 28th minute saw the next chance with Jill Hodgson getting a shot saved by Johnson. In the 29th minute a foul led to a free kick in a dangerous spot for Hartford. Senior Mayson Massaro (Sarasota, Fla.) took the kick and found the back of the net as Coombs dove over the ball as the Hawks jumped in front 1-0. Senior Rebecca Opdenbrouw (Vernon, Conn.) nearly doubled the lead getting a shot off in the 30th minute that Coombs punched over the bar. The Nor'easters would have a final chance late in the first half, but was called offside as the Hawks led 1-0 into the break.
• Opdenbrouw had the first chance for the home team in the second half getting a shot saved by Coombs in the 52nd minute. Sophomore Angela Chávez (Glastonbury, Conn.) had a dangerous opportunity in the 55th minute but again Coombs made the diving save. Johnson would stand tall for the Hawks making two key saves in the 69th and 75th minute. Massaro would have the final chance for either team in the 79th minute, but would miss wide. Hartford would close out the game to advance to the title game. 

Post Game Press:
"I am just really of the team for pushing through", said senior Sejal Johnson (Weddington, N.C.). "We had a tough start to the season and it is a comfortable feeling being back in the CNE Championship, but I think we are more than prepared to take on whoever we play. I am really excited to get back out there."

Inside the Numbers:

• Massaro netted her fifth goal of the season on the free kick to secure the game-winner. 
• Johnson picks up the clean sheet with five saves on the day. Sejal's record improved to 
• Hartford out shot the Nor'easters 11-8 with a 5-5 on target differential. 

Up Next: 
The Hawks host the winner of #2 Endicott College or #6 Suffolk University on Saturday in West Hartford with a 1:00 PM start time. 

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