The No. 10 St. Lawrence University women's hockey team shocked the nation on Saturday afternoon, as the Saints defeated No. 3 Cornell in Ithaca, NY by the score of 3-1 to win the program's first ECAC Hockey Championship and punch the team's ticket to the 2012 NCAA Tournament next weekend.

Junior Kelly Sabatine was once again the offensive hero, scoring the go-ahead and eventual game-winning goal with a mere 1:50 left in the third period. Meanwhile, rookie goaltender Carmen MacDonald was brilliant between the pipes, making 33 saves and earning Most Outstanding Player honors for the tournament.

"What a tremendous team effort tonight to knock off one of the most talented teams in the nation," said St. Lawrence head coach Chris Wells. "It's such a special day for our program, our alumni and our players. I'm so proud of the effort every single player gave and am thrilled we get to do it again next weekend."

Though Cornell outshot St. Lawrence by a decisive 17-5 margin, it was the Saints who owned a 1-0 lead after 20:00 minutes. First-year student Margo Lund passed the puck to the blue line to senior assistant captain Josee Belanger, who belted a slap shot towards Cornell goaltender Amanda Mazzotta. However, the puck was redirected by rookie Jessica Hon past the netminder for the 1-0 lead at 4:02 of the first period.

The Big Red applied consistent pressure on MacDonald and the visitor's defense, but were able to hold their ground and protect the 1-0 lead.

Both teams had quality bids in the second period, but the best chance went to the Big Red as ECAC Hockey Player of the Year Rebecca Johnston had a short-handed breakaway on MacDonald midway through the period. The Pictou, NS native made a dazzling stop to allow her team to head to the second intermission with its 1-0 lead intact.

Needing a goal to tie the game, Cornell poured on the pressure in the third and finally cashed in at 11:54 to tie the score, 1-1. Laura Fortino sent a pass to the top of the left circle to Chelsea Karpenko, who blitzed a low shot that beat MacDonald inside the right post. Brianne Jenner also assisted on the tying goal.

With the game winding down, sophomore Rylee Smith chipped the puck at the Cornell blue line to Sabatine. The Hamilton, ON native cut into the slot and rifled a wrist shot past Mazzotta's glove, allowing the Saints bench and crowd to erupt thanks to a 2-1 lead with only 1:50 remaining in regulation.

After a Cornell timeout, the Saints would ice the championship as senior Vanessa Emond found classmate Alley Bero who scored on the empty net at 18:39 from just outside the Big Red blue line. St. Lawrence was able to run out the clock and clinch the ECAC Hockey title for the first time.

Mazzotta finished with 19 saves, while both teams were 0-for-5 on the power play. Cornell finished with a 34-22 advantage in shots on goal.

Following the game, St. Lawrence hoisted the ECAC Hockey trophy with fans and friends on the ice, posing for photos and wearing their new league champion hats.

The 2012 NCAA Tournament field will be announced on Sunday night. St. Lawrence will learn its destination then, while Cornell is still widely expected to host a game at Lynah Rink.