Stockton, Calif. - The Pacific Tigers booked a trip to the America East Conference championship game with a 3-2 overtime victory over No. 17 Albany today, winning their program-record 16th game when Kriekie van Wyk slid down and redirected a Savannah Burns cross into the net for the sudden-victory goal. The win gives Pacific a chance at their first conference championship since 2004 when they were a member of the NorPac. 

The winner of tomorrow's championship game will receive an automatic bid into the 18-team NCAA tournament. "We've talked about [the championship] since the beginning of the season and we're very excited," said Head Coach Andy Smith.  "We'll come out tomorrow and put our best foot forward and see where we go."

Laura Pujade once again looked stellar in goal, stopping seven of the nine shots sent on goal by Albany on the day.  Pujade helped Pacific to the victory despite the Tigers being outshot 14-7 overall.

Van Wyk's overtime game-winner gave Pacific their only lead of the day.  Albany struck first in the game at 7:26 on a Megan Ma goal.  Leah Cofer tied the game back up under two minutes later when she got her stick on a backhand cross from Hannah Tvergyak.

"We hit them hard after they scored," said Smith as Pacific scored within three minutes of each of Albany's goals after doing the same against New Hampshire yesterday.

After Albany took the lead again, this time on a goal from Viola von der Muhlen, it was Kyleigh Morrison's chance to shine.  Morrison took a direct shot off a corner after Emma Leach sent it straight to Pacific's senior defender.  Morrison's shot lifted high and hit off two Albany defenders' sticks in the air as it reached the back of the net for the goal.

Both teams had chances as the game inched toward the end of regulation but the goalies stood tall, with Pujade matching America East Goalie of the Year Maxi Primus save for save.  "We had a huge step-up performance from our goalkeeper," said Smith about Pujade's masterful work in goal.

The only shot of overtime came on van Wyk's golden goal that won it for the Tigers.  It was her 22nd goal of the year and gave her goals in five consecutive games.

Smith was effusive about the Tigers, saying that "I've got a team of 21 people and they've all stepped up and played phenomenally."  Pacific has won 16 of its last 17 games now.

The America East Conference championship game will take place tomorrow at 1:00 pm between Pacific and #13 Stanford. The Tigers have played Stanford twice already this year, losing 3-0 at Stanford and winning 1-0 in Stockton. Tickets for tomorrow's game are available online.

Make sure to follow Pacific field hockey on Twitter with the username @PacificTigersFH and on Instagram at pacifictigersfh.