POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (September 22, 2014) -- Vassar College finally opens conference play this week, as the Brewers will play host to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. on Weinberg Field. The Brewers are coming off a pair of wins last week, defeating Western Connecticut State 4-3 and Ramapo College 2-0.

Game Details
Opponent: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1-4, 0-1 Liberty League)
Links: (RPI Field Hockey Page) (Stats) (Roster) (Schedule)
Site: Poughkeepsie, NY
Facility:  Weinberg Field
Date: September 24, 2014
Time:  6 p.m.
Coverage: (Live Stats) (Live Video)

What To Watch For
Vassar College was able to make the Liberty League Tournament last season in head coach Michael Warari's first campaign at VC, but fell at RPI in the final conference game of the 2013 season 1-0 in Troy, NY. The Brewers will need to start conference play strong this year, as the competition for the four-playoff spots will be tight. The Liberty League currently has three teams are either ranked or getting votes in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) poll. The Brewers need to be able to take advantage of playing at home, as VC gets RPI, No. 15 William Smith College and the University of Rochester at home this year.

A Look At the Engineers
Rensselaer is just 1-4 on the season thus far, but the Engineers have played a very competitive schedule this season. RPI has dropped its last three straight, but two came against ranked opposition, falling to No. 17 Mount Holyoke College 3-1 and No. 3 Skidmore College 5-2. The Engineers also fell to No. 8 Montclair State University earlier in the year 2-1. The squad's lone win came against Hartwick College, a 3-1 victory for the Engineers. The Engineers come into Wednesday's game with the lowest goals per game average in the league, posting 1.6 per game.

The Engineers offense has been spread out this fall, as the squad has had seven players post a tally on the young season. Chloe Hutchinson leads the team with two goals on just four shots on goal, while Hana Murphy sits atop the shots and shots on goal list with 14 and eight, respectively. Celia D'Agostino leads the team with four of the squad's seven helpers, and Murphy has RPI's lone game-winner on the season. Hilary Fiorentino and Hannah Clough have split time in net, though Fiorentino has allowed just six goals in 210 minutes of play, stopping 16 shots so far.

Against RPI All-Time
The Brewers are 8-17-1 all-time against the Engineers, but haven't beaten Rensselaer since the 2005 season, a span of eight games. Vassar hasn't beaten RPI at home since 2002, but over that span the two teams have played six games decided by one goal.

No Goals For You
The Brewers come into the week with five shutouts on the season, which ties last year's program record for clean sheets in a campaign. VC is also tied for the most shutouts in the country right now.

Winning!
The Brewers are 10^th in the nation currently in winning percentage, posting a .875 winning clip thus far this year.

Final Five
Vassar is in the midst of a five-game home stand, which will finish its home slate this year. Vassar concludes its play on Weinberg Field October 11 at 2 p.m. against the University of Rochester.

Tough Stretch
Vassar College will start a tough stretch soon, as the Brewers take on No. 15 William Smith, No. 3 Skidmore College and the University of Rochester (receiving votes) over the next month.

Everyone Get Up
The Brewers have seen all but three of their field players score a goal this season, as Hilary McDonnell (Blue Bell, PA/Ashley LaMere (Ballston Spa, NY/Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) and Lauren Shumate (Encinitas, CA/San Dieguito Academy) are the only ones not to tally a goal.

Brick Wall
Junior Amreen Bhasin (Cresskill, NJ/Riverdale) has had a solid season thus far, as she is currently 11^th in the nation in goals against average, allowing 0.95 goals per game.

Beachin' It
Sophomore Hayley Beach (Latham, NY/Shaker) earned Liberty League Honor Roll for her play last week, scoring a goal along with two assists.

Defensive Double
Sophomore Enya Cunningham (Stroudsburg, PA/Stroudsburg) picked up her second Liberty League Defensive Player of the Week honor this season Monday, and her third career award.

Come On Out
Vassar College is currently ranked 28^th in home cumulative attendance in the country, which certainly helps its home chances. VC also has the 11^th longest win streak in the country with five straight victories at Weinberg Field.

Up Next
Vassar gets the weekend off but returns to the field next Tuesday at home against the Hawks of Hartwick College at 4 p.m. in non-conference action.