Despite a gallant effort from injured junior tailback Chris Coney, Union dropped a tough 28-17 decision to Susquehanna in the Liberty League regular-season finale today at rainy and wet Frank Bailey Field.

The Crusaders (7-0, 8-2) earn their first berth in the NCAA Tournament in 18 seasons. Union (6-1, 7-3) is hoping to receive an ECAC bowl bid Sunday afternoon.

Coney, who was injured very early in the third quarter, came back into the lineup several times only to go back to the sidelines. He eventually scored his second touchdown of the game, but he was never back to full strength. He finished with 160 yards.

Union turned the ball over four times, including three fumbles. Susquehanna scored twice in the final quarter to rally from a 17-14 deficit.

This is Susquehanna's final season in the Liberty League. Rochester Institute of Technology will take its place in football.

Ironically, Susquehanna head coach Steve Briggs credited Union head coach John Audino with helping the Crusaders get into the Liberty League when the school had no other league to join. Now, the Crusaders will be taking the Liberty League championship plaque home with them.