COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. - The Bowdoin College field hockey team advanced to their first-ever NCAA Championship game with a 1-0 victory over Lebanon Valley in the NCAA Semifinals on Friday at Ursinus College. The top-ranked Polar Bears (19-0), who set a school record for single-season victories with the win, will play the winner of Middlebury and Salisbury in the Division III Championship game Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

The teams traded chances in the early going, as the first 10 minutes featured back-and-forth play. Lebanon Valley had the best early chance to notch a goal, as Shauna Enck had a pair of chances in close. But Bowdoin netminder Emileigh Mercer was up to the task, stopping both tries.

The Polar Bears gradually took control of the pace of the game, earning several corners in succession. Halfway through the period, after an entry pass from the sideline, NESCAC Player of the Year Lindsay McNamara collected the ball, circled a defender and slapped the ball in between the leg pads of Lebanon Valley goaltender Caitlin Baro at 17:10. McNamara had another great chance 23 minutes in, but couldn't beat Baro on a one-on-one, as a wristed shot sailed wide of the goal.

Bowdoin carried their one-goal lead into halftime, holding a 6-2 edge in shots and 8-0 lead in corners.

Most of the second half took action in the midfield, until the Dutchmen earned their first corner of the game with 10 minutes to go. But the Polar Bear defense was able to stifle the chance and maintain their one-goal edge. The Dutchwomen earned their second corner with six minutes left. Enck had another great chance from the top of the circle, but a diving Mercer kicked the ball wide as Bowdoin kept the lead. Lindsay McNamara handled the ball in the corner for Bowdoin, running out the final moments to seal the win.

Mercer ended with three saves for Bowdoin while Baro had two for Lebanon Valley. The Polar Bears had a 11-2 edge in corners and 7-5 shot advantage for the game.

The Polar Bears posted their third shutout in three NCAA Tournament games advance to the NCAA Title game for the first time after losing in the Semifinals to Messiah in each of the past two seasons. Bowdoin, as a school, will be making their second appearance in an NCAA Championship Game (2004, Women's Basketball). The Polar Bears have yet to win an NCAA Title in any sport.