POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - The Vassar College Field Hockey team claimed its first Liberty League title since 2021 on Sunday afternoon as the Brewers defeated second-seeded Union, 4-2, behind a goal and an assist from Most Outstanding Performer junior Karina Hoffman. Vassar's record improves to 13-6 overall and the Brewers earn the automatic qualifying berth to the NCAA Championship and will find out their spot during the Selection Show this evening at 9:00 p.m.
How It Happened
- Vassar started quick as the game's first goal came from Hoffman just two and a half minutes into the game on a sweet pass from senior Margo Gramiak to put the Brewers ahead 1-0 early.
- Vassar had a plethora of chances early in the second quarter as Union goalie Sophie Brady made four saves in a six-minute span to keep the game at 1-0.
- The Brewers broke through with the second goal of the game off the stick of first year Sydney Yu on a deflection from classmate Sophia Jammar to give the Brewers a 2-0 halftime lead.
- Following a scoreless third period, a wild fourth quarter broke out as the Garnet Chargers cut the deficit in half on a tally from Megan Dorsey off the insert from Maddie Greco.
- Vassar pushed the advantage back to two goals on sophomore Zoe Robinson's 13th goal of the season on a pass from Hoffman to make it 3-1 with eight minutes remaining.
- Union countered with a goal just 45 seconds later off the stick of Greco on a rebound off a shot from Katelyn Birnbaum to cut the lead back to one at 3-2.
- With three and a half minutes remaining, senior Sofia Beseth found a breakaway opportunity and scored her seventh goal of the season to give the Brewers the final 4-2 lead and their first Liberty League crown since 2021.
For The Brewers
- Hoffman, who scored both goals in the semifinal victory, finished with her 10th goal of the season and her fifth assist of the campaign.
- Robinson extended her team-lead in goals to 13 while Beseth notched her seventh tally of the season.
- Yu scored her second goal of the season along with Jammar and Gramiak each recording their first assists of the season.
- Hoover recorded her fifth defensive save of the season and junior Grace Wiley earned her 13th win of the season in goal with four saves.
For The Garnet Chargers
- Greco registered a goal and an assist while Dorsey scored the other goal for Union.
- Brady played the first half in goal and made four saves while Tess Parker played the second half and tallied five stops.
Game Statistics
- Vassar finished the game outshooting Union 23-12, including 13-7 in shots on target.
- Penalty corners favored Vassar at 10-8.
Up Next
- Vassar advances to the NCAA Championship and will learn its opponent this evening at 9:00 p.m. via a selection show on NCAA.com.