POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (October 6, 2015) – Senior Lucy Brainerd (Littleton, CO/Heritage) scored the game's only goal in the 85th minute, as Vassar sealed its seventh win of the season Tuesday afternoon vs. Wesleyan University. It was an evenly-matched defensive struggle at Gordon Field, with both teams managing just nine shots and six corner kicks. VC improves to 7-3-1 on the season with the win, while Wesleyan drops to 4-4-1. 
It appeared as though the game would go to overtime as the teams remained locked at zero heading into the final minutes of the second half. Vassar finally gained an extended possession in its offensive third, and freshman Dahlia Chroscinski (Hummelstown, PA/Hershey) played a ball to Brainerd on the far left side exterior of the 18-yard box.
The senior midfielder let it fly, ripping a long shot off the right foot to the back right corner of the goal. The Cardinal goalkeeper retreated back and attempted to punch it out, but the ball sailed over her head and into the net to give the Brewers the elusive goal. Wesleyan generated pressure in the closing minutes, but could not produce a quality chance as VC secured the shutout victory. 
The Cardinals saw their best opportunity of the afternoon in the 55th minute, after a sliding foul in the box gave the visitors a penalty shot. Senior Madeline Keane stepped up to take attempt, but her shot sailed high of the cage as the Brewers avoided a 0-1 deficit. 
Neither team generated much offense in the first period, despite Vassar holding a 6-1 advantage in shots. Freshman Arianna Riemma (East Quogue, NY/Westhampton Beach) appeared to have a quality look from the left wing in the 35th minute, but a Wesleyan defender moved in at the last second to block her attempt. 
Senior goalkeeper Emma Nichols (Lexington, MA/Lexington) made two saves in the game to secure her fifth shutout of the season. 
Vassar will return to competition this Saturday, October 10 when the team travels to play Skidmore College on the road in Saratoga Springs, NY. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 pm. 
--VASSAR--