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NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara women's soccer team (7-9-2; 5-2-2 MAAC) is headed to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament for the fifth time in the last seven years, clinching the second seed in the upcoming championship tournament in a 0-0 tie against the visiting Fairfield Stags (6-6-6, 4-2-3 MAAC) on Sunday afternoon at Niagara Field.

The Purple Eagles were picked to finish seventh in the conference as per the MAAC Preseason Poll, but clinched the second seed in the upcoming MAAC Tournament by going 5-2-2 in the team's final nine games, including a current three-game unbeaten streak.

"It was a good, solid, defensive effort for us today," assistant coach Brittany Cameron said. "I think we are really hitting our stride and today was a good indicator of how close the games will be in the postseason."

Both Niagara and Fairfield came out strong on offense, with Niagara holding a slim 6-5 lead in shots. Stags goalkeeper Kelly Boudreau was tested right from the beginning, making four saves to keep Niagara off the scoreboard.

In a rather physical match, both teams kept coming close to putting a ball in the back of the net. Niagara had a chance to end the game in regulation, when freshman Catherine Meyer intercepted a pass and came in alone on Boudreau. Meyer successfully drew the Fairfield goalie out of position, but put just a tad much touch on the ball, as it rolled just to the outside of the right post.
 
After an uneventful first overtime period, Niagara senior goalkeeper Gabrielle Wilson was tested several times in the second overtime period. In the 101st minute, Wilson just got enough of a long shot that was destined for the top left corner of the net, with the ball sailing straight up in the air, before she grabbed the rebound.

Five minutes later, Carly Beyar was fed a pass all alone in the box, but she sent her shot over a challenging Wilson and over the net.

"Gabe did what she had to do today," assistant coach John Fiutowski said. "She made several key saves, commanded the box and kept the shutout."

Wilson made eight saves for her fifth shutout of the season, also marking her second consecutive clean sheet. The Tonawanda, N.Y. native hasn't allowed a goal in 254:54 of game action, dating back to Oct. 23 against Siena.

Niagara enters the MAAC Tournament as the second seed and will play the third seed Loyola (Md.) Greyhounds on Friday, Nov. 4. The top-seeded Marist Red Foxes will take on the No. 4 Fairfield Stags in the other semifinal contest.