SALISBURY, Md. - The Salisbury University women's soccer team bounced back from its first losing season in school history, a year ago, and celebrated today with a Capital Athletic Conference championship for the first time in six years. SU junior Kate Weaver scored all four goals for the third-seed Sea Gulls in the 4-0 victory over fourth-seed St. Mary's (Md.) College before 400 fans at the SU Soccer Complex.

"The first week during preseason we thought we had the talent," said Salisbury coach Jim Nestor. "We are extremely excited of course [on going to the NCAA's]. We have to stay focused and keep playing good team defense."

The Sea Gulls (10-6-1) received a dominant game from their forward Weaver, who scored two goals in each half, to increase her season total to 20. Her first strike was setup nicely by an Allyson McIntee feed at the top of the box which Weaver smashed home. Weaver wasted no time on her next goal as she added a break away score that beat St. Mary's goalie Marie Oben (three saves) nearly 20 seconds later. SU went into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Weaver continued her success with two scores in the second half to seal the victory for SU. Sea Gull sophomore Christina Eury added a perfect cross to Weaver on her third score.

"It is pretty exciting," said Weaver of the championship. "This is what we have been working for since my freshman year."

SMC (12-6-2) had a chance to score the first goal of the game, early in the first half, but its goal was called off due to goalie interference by the Seahawks. SU goalie Samantha Phipps finished the game with three saves.

Salisbury's defense was dominant throughout the postseason as the Gulls did not allow a goal in three CAC tournament games. SU defeated Marymount and Catholic to reach the title game.

The Seahawks defeated the Sea Gulls last season 2-1 in the CAC quarterfinals in St. Mary's City, Md., to end the Sea Gull season at 6-10-1.

This is the first CAC championship for Nestor and his players. The Gulls haven't won the CAC title since 2000. SU will now move on to the NCAA Division III tournament where it will await the official field announcement expected on Monday, November 6. The field will be released on http://www.ncaasports.com/.