ROCHESTER, N.Y. – It is always a close game when Vassar and Rochester play each other, and today's game proved to be that once again. In a defensive contest, the No. 15 Brewers used a first-half goal to edge the Yellowjackets 1-0 on Friday afternoon. First-year Tori Baker (Bedminster, NJ) netted the game-winner at 25:35 in the second quarter to move Vassar to 11-3 overall and 4-2 in the Liberty League. Meanwhile, Rochester goes to 10-5 and 3-3 in the conference.
From the start, it was clear that this was going to be a close, defensive game. Vassar's Heidi Zahnleuter (Clifton Park, NY) managed the first shot attempt two minutes in, but Rochester goalkeeper Abigail Walrond turned the ball away. The Yellowjackets drew a penalty corner soon after and fired off two shots. The first one was blocked, and then Sarah Dumaresq (Barnstable, MA) saved Vivienne Tucker's shot. First-year Leilani Llamas (Grapevine, TX) took the final shot in the quarter, but again the goalkeeper made the stop.
Vassar scored midway through the second quarter after picking up its offensive momentum. After earning a second consecutive penalty corner, the ball made its way to Kelsey O'Connell (Chapel Hill, NC) on the inside left of the circle. O'Connell passed to Baker, who tipped the ball into the left post for her first career goal.
The Brewers kept possession coming out of the half and outshot the Yellowjackets 6-2. Vassar nearly scored again at the end of the quarter following a penalty corner, but the Rochester defense held.
Rochester held a shot advantage in the fourth and managed three shots on goal within two minutes. Dumaresq kept the Yellowjackets scoreless, though, and made saves on all of them. As time expired, Rochester got one more corner, but the Vassar defense locked up the passing lanes and earned the shutout.
Dumaresq made five saves in the win and recorded her seventh shutout of the season. As a team, Vassar outshot Rochester 14-9, while the Yellowjackets held a 6-5 corner advantage.
Vassar wraps up Liberty League play with its final home game against William Smith on Sun. Oct. 24 at noon.
