CASTINE--Second-seeded Husson University outscored host Maine Maritime Academy 5-1 in the fourth quarter, including the game-winning goal with 20 seconds left, to upset the top-seeded Mariners, 12-11, in the North Atlantic Conference women's lacrosse championship at Ritchie Field on Saturday night. The Eagles improve 7-7 overall and will advance to the NCAA Tournament, while Maine Maritime ends its historic season at 12-2.

Maine Maritime was led by senior Hazel Stoddard who recorded game highs of four goals, seven points, five caused turnovers and 10 draw controls. Sophomore Lillian Diversi added a hat trick and junior Rebecca Caron chipped in two goals. Sophomore Abby Wong posted a game-best five ground balls and she caused four turnovers. Stoddard reached 100 career assists to extend her all-time school record.

Maddy Benoit led Husson with four goals and five points and Averi Baker also had four goals, including the game-winner after a MMA turnover on its last possession of the contest.

Maine Maritime outscored Husson 8-1 in the third quarter to erase a 6-2 halftime deficit. Stoddard scored on the man-up on an assist from sister Hadley to put the Mariners in front 7-6 with 8 minutes and 20 seconds left to give MMA its first lead since 1-0.

Diversi gave MMA an 11-7 advantage with 14:36 left in the fourth.

But the Eagles mounted a comeback of their own starting at the 11:43 mark on a goal from Natalie Whitten.

Husson goalie Emma Beegz was named the NAC Tournament Most Valuable Player after making 14 saves, including several from point-blank range, three ground balls and four caused turnovers. 

Despite the loss, MMA led in statistical categories shots (32-26), clearing (17-for-20/23-for-31), ground balls (24-19) and draw controls (17-10). The Mariners  had an historic campaign that included their most single-season wins overall, in the NAC (6-0), at home (7-1) and on the road (5-1).