With a hard-fought 1-0 victory over traditional NCAA power Cortland State, the Clarkson University Women’s Soccer team earned the first ever tournament championship in the program's 30-year history by claiming the North Country Classic with a 2-0 record over the weekend in Potsdam.

The Golden Knights, who defeated SUNYIT 3-0 in first round action on Friday at Hantz Turf Field, are off to a 2-0-0 start under new head coach Sarah Raymond.

In the second day of the classic on Saturday, the Knights scored early against Cortland and then, behind a solid defensive effort and stellar play from freshman goalkeeper Brianna Thibeau (Salem, NY), were able to hold off the Red Dragons on Clarkson’s Grass Field.

At 10:01 of the opening half, Clarkson senior Alyssa Dausman (Syracuse, NY) sent a perfect corner kick into the box, where junior Ellen Heenan (Bridgeport, NY) connected on the pass for the only goal of the game.

Cortland, which was coming off a 1-0 win over St. Lawrence on Friday, pressured the Green and Gold throughout the contest, but the Knights' defense limited the Red Dragons’ scoring opportunities. Cortland held a slim 12-7 margin in shots, but owned a distinct advantage in corner kicks, 9-2.

Thibeau played an aggressive game in the Clarkson goal and turned aside all seven shots she faced to record her second straight shutout.

In the other game on Saturday, St. Lawrence cruised by SUNYIT, 8-0 to earn second place in the classic.

Stephanie Sayward led St. Lawrence’s explosive offense with two goals and one assist. Nine other Saints recorded points, including six other goal scorers.

St. Lawrence out shot SUNYIT 44-4.

NORTH COUTRY CLASSIC ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

CLARKSON – Sarah Andres

CLARKSON – Aubrey Harris

CLARKSON – Alix Pettiti

CLARKSON – Brianna Thibeau

St. Lawrence – Julia Friesen

St. Lawrence – Abby van Geldern

St. Lawrence – Corrine Werner

Cortland –Jackie DeLuise

Cortland-Pam Monnier

Cortland – Kelly Wanser

SUNYIT-Aubrey Campbell

SUNYIT-Veronica Metz