New Britain, CT - The Wagner women's soccer team fell to CCSU in the Northeast Conference (NEC) Championship game by way of penalty kicks, 4-3, on Sunday afternoon.

Late game heroics by senior Kayla Barbosa brought the Seahawks to penalty kicks for the second straight match. After CCSU scored with 6:41 remaining in the second overtime, Wagner's season was put on life support.

In similar fashion to her goal at top-seeded Merrimack, Barbosa lined up for a free kick with seconds remaining. A left-footed strike by the captain sneaked by the keeper with 51 seconds to play, sending the Wagner faithful into a late-game frenzy.

The Green & White were given new life, but ultimately the Blue Devils overcame the stunning equalizer to secure the NEC title via penalty kicks. 

Junior Sam Hughes made nine saves on the day, putting her NEC Tournament total at 26 saves. The Pottstown, PA native earned her eighth clean sheet in regulation to conclude the 2023 season.

In addition to her stellar performance, Hughes, along with Barbosa and graduate student Juliana Rafaniello were named to the NEC All-Tournament team.