BROOKLYN, N.Y. – John Jay freshman Brooke Fontaine found the back of the net in the 76th minute to lead the top-seeded Bloodhounds to a second straight CUNYAC Women's Soccer Championship, defeating third-seeded Lehman, 1-0, on Saturday afternoon at Brooklyn College. With the win, John Jay earns the league's automatic bid to the 2021 NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Championship. The selection show is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 8. Click here for more information.
 
Much like the regular season meeting between the two schools, the game came down to a single strike late in the second half to determine a winner.  

"It feels great. It wasn't easy and I give credit to Lehman College," said 2021 CUNYAC Coach of the Year, Ajani Clunie, when asked about repeating as conference champions. "The ladies knew from the beginning that Nov. 6 was that date and had that locked into their mentality. Every game is different, and this one showed the perseverance of these student-athletes."
 
It was a scoreless first 45 minutes of action, highlighted by five shots on frame by Lehman. The Lightning's best chance of the half came five minutes into the match, when CUNYAC All-Star Melanie Siranuala received a through ball from Micaela Canapa, forcing all-conference goalkeeper Cyan Scott to make a kick save.
 
Lehman, who advanced to the championship final for the second time in program history following a 2-1 victory over second-seeded CCNY, had another dangerous look in the frame, when Siranuala took a penalty kick attempt in the 23rd minute following a foul in the box. However, Scott turned away the shot, keeping the match scoreless.  
 
The Bloodhounds, who reached the final following a 4-0 win over No. 4 Bulldogs in the semifinals, came out aggressive in the second half, peppering Lehman with shots, including an attempt from Jillian Golden in the 50th minute that went off the right post. Moments later, CUNYAC All-Star Katie Healy had her shot attempt bounce off the crossbar.
 
Fontaine's golden goal came off a free kick from 30 yards out, as the shot arched over the outstretched arms of Lightning keeper Rebecca Gritz and into the netting for her third goal of the season.
   
John Jay finished with 20 shots in the victory, including 13 in the second half of action. Lehman finished with 10 attempts in the match but was unable to convert against a Bloodhounds' defense that hasn't conceded a goal against league opposition all season.
 
Scott earned the win in goal, finishing with eight saves for her eighth clean sheet of the year.

Tournament Most Valuable Player: Brooke Fontaine, Fr., MF, John Jay