NEW PALTZ, NY - Sophomore Sarah Gillooly sank a layup with eight seconds to go, but the Vassar College women's basketball team was unable to close the gap further, falling 71-69 at SUNY New Paltz on Tuesday evening. The homestanding Hawks move to 3-1 overall, while the Brewers are now 3-2 on the season.

Trailing by three (54-51) entering the fourth quarter, VC senior Sophie Nick helped close the gap with a jumper at 9:06. New Paltz countered on a layup from Marion Dietz and built back a seven-point (60-53) lead with 7:47 remaining.

Senior Isa Peczuh helped the Vassar cause minutes later, recording back-to-back three pointers to make it a 66-61 game. Gillooly sank a layup in the paint at the 2:03 mark to cut the score to three (68-65) and a free throw from freshman Emily Tincher made it 68-66 with 18 seconds to go.

New Paltz capitalized once again at the line as Paige Niemeyer sank both of ther shots at the 10 minute mark, making it a four-point edge once more. Gillooly's shot with eight seconds to go, was followed by a successful free throw, but the Hawks got a shot at the line of their own to seal the win.

Niemeyer led all players with 18 points, adding five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals for New Paltz. Dietz added 16 points, while Philesha Teape had 15 points with nine rebounds, two assists and three steals. Additionally, Maddie Gillis posted 13 points.

For Vassar, Peczuh recorded 16 points with two assits and a steal. Ryan DeOrio had 15 points with nine rebounds, three assists and a steal. Nick and Gillooly each notched 12 points, as Jackie Cenan added 10 points.

The Brewers are now idle until December 6 when they host RIT to open Liberty League play at home in the AFC Gym. Game time is set for 5:30pm.