ALBANY, N.Y. -- Samantha Waggs' penalty stroke goal in the 60th minute proved to be the difference as the University of Maine field hockey team defeated No. 20 UAlbany by a score of 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at Alumni Turf.

The win, Maine's first at UAlbany since 2005, lifted the Black Bears to 11-4 overall and 5-1 in America East action. The Black Bears now sit in first place in the East Division entering the final weekend of the regular season.

Waggs' goal, her eighth of the season, came after UAlbany was whistled for a foul on the goal line. The junior back buried the stroke on the right post to break a scoreless tie.

Maine's defensive effort was one of the highlights of the day, led by the play of goalkeeper Emma Cochan. Cochran, who tallied numerous highlight reel stops, ended the day with seven saves to move to 11-4 on the year, picking up her second shutout of the year.

Overall, Maine shut down all eight of UAlbany's penalty corner opportunities.

The Black Bears, who have now won four in a row, continue America East action on Friday, Oct. 27 at Vermont before returning home on Sunday, Oct. 29 for Senior Day against New Hampshire at 1 p.m.

-UMaine-