SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Western New England College captured its fourth consecutive Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament title Sunday with an 8-0 victyory over Suffolk University in a game called in the sixth inning because of the mercy rule.

Senior Jackie Shedlock (Oak Ridge, NJ) was named the tournament MVP for the second straight year after tossing a two-hitter with six strikeouts and no walks. Shedlock now has a 22-3 record that ties former teammate Marcie Bruder (2002) for the most pitching victories in a season.

The Golden Bears had 13 hits with juniors Kristy Kehoss (Cheshire, CT) and junior left-fielder Jen Piorkowski (Trumbull, CT) each going 3-for-4 with two runs-batted-in. Junior first base player Erin Whitcomb (Bellows Falls, VT) had two hits and two runs. Senior second base player Sarah Moisao (Harwinton, CT) contributed two hits, a run, and RBI.

Freshman third base player Kate Crowley had both hits for Suffolk (30-12). The Rams made the championship round after posting a 6-5 win over Pine Manor in the first game Sunday.

Western New England College (37-4) now advances to its fourth NCAA Division III Championship next weekend. Dates, times, and pairings are scheduled to be announced later Sunday evening.