LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - The women's soccer team will get a chance to defend it's 2006 MAAC crown after defeating Siena College, 3-0, Sunday, in Loudonville, N.Y. Face an elimination-style game, the Purple Eagles responded with two first-half tallies and an outstanding effort by their freshman goalkeeper.

Niagara clinched the No. 4 seed in the MAAC Championships, and will face top-seeded Marist, Friday, Nov. 9, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. The postseason berth marks the third-straight time, and fourth in the last five years, that head coach Peter Veltri has guided his club into the MAAC Tournament.

"We are really looking forward to having the opportunity to defend our title," Veltri said. "We sure didn't take the easiest route into the postseason, but we are here now, and our main goal is to win two game next weekend."

Seniors Brittany Bisnott (Brampton, Ont.) and Ashley Mandrino (Farmington, N.Y.) gave Niagara a 2-0 lead early in the first period, and the defense made it stick.

Freshman Ashleigh Bowers (Liverpool, N.Y.) was not tested until the second half, where she made seven saves to earn her second career shutout.

"Ashleigh played great in net for us," Veltri said. "She made some big saves in the second half."

Junior Stephanie Gartley (Calamachie, Ont.) added a goal late to finalize the scoring. The Purple Eagles scored on all three shots on goal that they attempted in the win.

Niagara will take on the Red Foxes in the 1-4 matchup, while Fairfield and Loyola will square off in the 2-3 game on Nov. 9.