Poughkeepsie, N.Y. - Junior Karina Hoffman scored two second half goals to carry the top-seeded Vassar College Field Hockey team to a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over fourth-seeded William Smith in the Liberty League Championship semifinals at Weinberg Field on Friday afternoon. Vassar (12-6) advances to Sunday's Championship final against second-seeded Union, who defeated third-seeded Ithaca 2-1, while the Herons season ends at 12-9 on the season.
How It Happened
- William Smith struck quickly in the first quarter as Lily Gutch tallied her 10th goal of the season off a feed from Leah Griffith just three minutes and 15 seconds into the opening period.
- Vassar had two shots turned away by Herons goalkeeper Olivia Terranova in the second half to keep the game at 1-0.
- Junior Grace Wiley made a big save off a penalty corner shot from Caroline Kogut before the end of the second quarter to keep the deficit at one.
- The Brewers evened the game at one apiece on a Hoffman goal, her eighth of the season, just under five minutes into the third quarter.
- Hoffman's second tally, which resulted in the game-winner, came off a great pass from first year Audrey Izzo with five and a half minutes left in regulation to put the Brewers ahead 2-1.
- The Herons had one last chance with about 17 seconds left on a shot from Rebecca Mantione but Wiley turned away the shot to advance Vassar to the Championship final for the first time since 2021.
For The Brewers
- Hoffman boosts her goal total to nine on the season and now sits in solo second in points with 22.
- Izzo picked up her third career assist while sophomore Zoe Robinson fired two shots on goal.
- First years Autuman Dowiak and Sophia Jammar each recorded two shots, including one on target each.
- Wiley earns her 12th victory of the season and turned away two shots on the evening.
For The Herons
- Gutch scored her 10th goal of the season while Griffith notched the lone assist.
- Kogut registered two shots, including one on goal.
- Terranova took the loss in goal and made five saves for the Herons.
Game Statistics
- Vassar finished the contest outshooting William Smith 13-6, including 7-3 in shots on goal.
- Penalty corners for the match were even at three.
Up Next
- Vassar will host second-seeded Union on Sunday afternoon at a time TBDÂ at Weinberg Field for the Liberty League Championship final.