BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — The reigning NEC champions clinched a spot in the NEC women's lacrosse tournament after knocking off Stonehill 11-9 on Saturday afternoon.

The win pushed LIU (8-6, 6-1) past Stonehill for first place in the NEC standings. Stonehill entered the game 6-0 in NEC play and was riding a seven-game win streak — until the Sharks handed the Skyhawks their first conference loss.

Julia Trainor scored the game's first goal, putting LIU ahead 1-0. The Sharks opened up a 5-1 first-quarter lead after a pair of goals by Trainor and tallies from Erin Harkins, Ava Taylor, and Catherine Batterberry.

Lindsey Lucia and Erin Harkins added second quarter goals as the Sharks took a 7-2 lead into halftime.

Pierson Schuchart continued the scoring parade with a goal to open the second half, putting LIU ahead 8-2.

Goalkeeper Mylie Norton earned her eighth win of the season after stopping three shots as the Sharks clinched a spot in the NEC Tournament for the fifth straight season.

With the win over Stonehill, LIU currently holds the number one seed. If the Sharks win their next two games, they will secure the top seed and host the NEC Tournament at LIU Post, scheduled for May 1–3.

However, if there is a three-way tie between LIU, Stonehill, and Wagner, Stonehill would earn the number one seed.

LIU plays again on Saturday during its Senior Day matchup against Saint Francis at 11 a.m.

The Sharks will close out the regular season on April 26 at Howard.

Tickets for LIU home games can be purchased at athletictickets.liu.edu.