POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. –The visiting Skidmore Thoroughbreds attempted to play spoiler in the Brewers' Senior Day celebrations, but the No. 15 Vassar field hockey team held down for the 3-1 on Saturday afternoon.

After an offense showing in the previous game, the Thoroughbreds (3-6, 0-2 Liberty) proved to be a tough defensive matchup early in the half by allowing only five shots. The Brewers did not slack on that end either, giving up just two Skidmore shots. Gracie Tavakkol (Mountain Lakes, NJ) made some notable interceptions on the Skidmore passing routes, halting their forwards and breaking up plays.

Alyssa More (Wilmington, DE) managed the opening attempt less than two minutes in, but ten minutes went without any action. At 13:16, Mikayla Young (Honesdale, PA) launched the penalty corner to the top of the circle where Rylie Pope (San Diego, CA) was waiting. The Skidmore goalkeeper got a finger on the ball, but Pope's shot was too quick and powerful and deflected into the left corner. The junior now has three goals in the last two games.

The Brewers rode the momentum of the first early in the second with Caveny, More and Young rattling off three shots in succession on the Skidmore goalie two minutes in. At the 53^rd minute, Young lined up for another corner who initially found Monica Feeley (Harrisburg, PA). Feeley redirected the pass to Sam Plante (Watertown, MA) who tipped the shot in for the 2-0 Vassar lead.

After a Thoroughbreds timeout, Skidmore picked up the tempo soon after. Gabby Hyman made a close shot from a streaking front line, but Liz Rotolo (Lebanon, NJ) was there for the save. Eyeing a late comeback, the Skidmore's Meaghan Lynch lined up for the corner and found Mariah Redler. After some scrambling in front of the net, Redler tallied the score amidst the chaos to cut the lead to 2-1. The Brewers would answer when 30 seconds later Stephanie Palma (Manhasset, NY) found Caveny on a breakaway. Caveny made some crafty moves to push the score to 3-1 at the 62^nd minute and seal the game.
Rotolo made two saves in the win, while Skidmore's Elizabeth Coughlin had four.

Seven current members of the team were honored in today's Senior Day celebration. Monica Feeley, Megan Caveny, Alyssa More, Mikayla Young, Gracie Tavakkol, Emily Poehlein (Northampton, MA) and Molly Youse (New Cumberland, PA) all were recognized for their contributions. Former members of the team Haley Cubell, Paige Amico and Hannah Zawacki also were honored.   

Vassar is back on the road for the next two Liberty League games. First they travel to St. Lawrence on Sat. Oct. 6 for a 1 p.m. game and then head to Ithaca on Fri. Oct. 12 at 4 p.m.