FAIRFIELD, Conn. — The LIU women's lacrosse team is heading to the NCAA Tournament after winning its first-ever NEC Championship with a 10-7 win against Sacred Heart on Saturday afternoon.

LIU never trailed in the game, and Mylie Norton, the NEC Tournament Most Valuable Player, was a big reason why.

The junior goalkeeper stopped 10 shots against the Pioneers, including key saves in the second half.

Rachel Weber, Lindsey Lucia, and Jen Gaffney all tallied goals in the opening frame as the Sharks took a 3-0 lead into the second quarter.

Pierson Schuchart and Erin Harkins found the back of the net with less than three minutes to play in the second quarter, giving LIU a 5-3 lead at the break.

LIU scored five goals in the second half, which proved to be the difference in the game.

Weber and Harkins both scored on the man advantage to give LIU a 7-4 lead.

Julia Trainor, LIU's leading scorer, found the back of the net in the opening minute of the fourth quarter to make it a three-goal game.

Trainor also finished the game with a team-high four ground balls, while captain Gina Toscano scooped up three ground balls in the win.

Ava Taylor added an insurance goal for the Sharks with under 10 minutes to play, and Jen Gaffney sealed the win with her late tally with under a minute to play.

"This win means everything for our program, University, athletics department, alumni, and fans," head coach Meghan McNamara-Cafiero said. I" am extremely proud of this group, and my staff and for their fight to do what they set out to do. And they did it."

Amanda Weber won eight draw controls for LIU.

Olivia Fantigrossi, Trainor, Norton, and Toscano were named to the NEC All-Tournament Team.

LIU will next play in the first round of the NCAA Championship at No. 5 Virginia.