POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (September 3, 2016) -- Sophomore Monica Feeley was named as the Most Valuable Player, helping Vassar College dominate possession as the Brewers earned their third consecutive Betty Richey Tournament title with a 2-0 victory over the Pioneers of Smith College Saturday afternoon from Weinberg Field. Vassar has now won six straight contests in this tournament, now in its 28th year of existence. 

Joining Feeley on the All-Tournament Team for the Brewers (2-0) was senior Lauren Shumate, along with freshman Cristina Lopez and sophomore Megan Caveny. Smith had Sophie Chase, Sammie Pavlov and Cameo Tietje earn spots on the squad, while Manhattanville's Haley Linkroum and Kaitlin Halloran and Geneseo's Morgan Maley and Diana Ruggiero also picked up the honor. Manhattanville topped Geneseo in the consolation game of the tournament 3-2 in overtime on a Bregje Smits tally. 

In the championship game, Vassar came out much like Friday night's season opener, holding its opposition deep in its own zone. VC would pressure early, with the best chance coming in the 17th minute on a Megan Caveny shot from just inside the circle. Smith keeper Cameo Tietje charged out, but Caveny's attempt was saved by defender Julia Hamilton. 

Smith started to change the momentum towards the end of the half, and the Pioneers got their best chance as the time ticked down to zero. SC (1-1) got a corner, and Hamilton fired a shot that sophomore keeper Paige Amico made a sprawling save on. Smith's Elsie Odhiambo settled the rebound, but her shot to the open net clanged off the right side of the cage to send the game into halftime scoreless. 

From that point on, it was all Vassar, as the defensive press helped the home team outshoot Smith 19-0 in the period. The Brewers finally got on the board in the 47th minute, thanks to Caveny. Fellow sophomore Alyssa More fed a pass along the end line through the goal mouth, and Caveny swept it into the cage to put VC up 1-0. (Caveny's Goal Highlight HERE)

The Brewers would double there lead 58:03 into the game, as sophomore Gracie Tavakkol netted her first career goal. The play started on a penalty corner, and the initial shot found sophomore Emily Poehlein in front of the goal. Her shot attempt missed the target, but instead went straight to Tavakkol who deposited it into the empty net for the insurance goal. (Tavakkol Goal Highlight HERE)

That was plenty of offense for the Brewers, who rolled to the victory. Amico wasn't tested much this weekend, but she was superb when she was, making three saves Saturday to earn the win. She now has eight career shutouts, making her the all-time leader in clean sheets at Vassar in just over a year of action. She passed Maggie Brelis '14 and her 7.5 shutouts for her tenure. Tietje stopped 12 shots for the Pioneers. 

Caveny led the Brewers with 16 shots, tying the school record for attempts in a game with Jessica Lance, who accomplished the feat back in 2009. The backline was stout as well for Vassar, led by senior Sophie Arnold, Feeley and freshman Rylie Pope. 

The Brewers will continue its home stand Wednesday afternoon, looking to extend its 20-game home winning streak when they battle Kean University at 7 p.m. on Weinberg Field.