PURCHASE, NY (September 1, 2015) – The Vassar College field hockey team opened its season with a strong 6-0 road victory over host Manhattanville College Tuesday evening, as five different Brewers chalked up a goal for the win.

The six goals is two more than Vassar College (1-0) netted in any contest last season, and is the most a Brewer field hockey team has scored in a game since chalking up 11 at Morrisville State back on October 5, 2013. VC moved its record to 13-11 all-time against the Valiants (0-1), earning its third straight victory over MC.

The Brewers controlled play early and netted their first goal of the game at 17:02, as sophomore forward Storm Sideleau (Hopkinton, NH/Kimball Union Academy) tallied an unassisted strike to bring the score to 1-0.

A little over five minutes later, junior Emma Bracken (Alexandria, VA/T.C. Williams) tipped in a cross from senior Bianca Zarrella (Leominster, MA/Leominster) to make the tally 2-0. The goal was Bracken's third career score, as Zarrella's record moved to within seven assists of the all-time record at Vassar with her 14^th career helper.

The offense continued for the Brewers, as freshman Emily Poehlein (Northampton, MA/Northampton) notched her first career tally with help from fellow freshman Megan Caveny (Cicero, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse) to up the Vassar lead to 3-0. The trio of goals was separated by just 10:13 on the game clock.

Junior Hayley Beach (Latham, NY/Shaker) gave VC a strong start to the second half, as she knocked in a rebound of a shot into an open net for her first goal of the season and 12^th of her career to push the Brewers ahead 4-0. With 5:02 remaining in game, Poehlein deposited a pass from freshman Monica Feeley (Harrisburg, PA/Susquehanna Township) off of a penalty corner for her second point of the night.

Less than three minutes later, Caveny added her first career goal with help from Feeley on a 2-on-1, ending the scoring on the night for the Brewers. The 6-0 victory in an opener was the largest margin of victory since a 7-1 win over Keystone two seasons ago.

The Brewers outshot their hosts 18-7, while holding an 11-4 edge in shots on goal. Vassar also held a decisive 11-5 lead on penalty corners. Vassar freshman goalkeeper Paige Amico (Carlsbad, CA/La Costa Canyon) had a solid collegiate debut, making four saves to earn her first career shutout.

Vassar College will now set its sights on the 27^th annual Betty Richey Tournament this weekend on Weinberg Field, as Smith College, William Paterson and Manhattanville will take part in the festivities. Friday's game schedule has VC and Smith set for a 5:30 p.m. start, while WPU and M'Ville get underway at 7:30.