POUGHKEEPSIE, NY - Powered by a goal and each half and the first collegiate shutout by sophomore Claire Mackenzie, the Vassar women's soccer team defeated SUNY New Paltz by a 2-0 margin in non-league action on Wednesday afternoon. The victory moves the Brewers to 6-3-1 on the season, while the Hawks are now 4-5-1 overall.

The Brewers opened the contest with a goal in the 22nd minute as sophomore midfielder Justine Tapert converted a long shot into the upper right corner. Taking the initial corner kick at the near side, Tapert sent a great cross in, but the ball bounced around and careened back out to the near side off a New Paltz defender. Tapert was there, booting it high as if to cross it, but the ball went into the upper corner.

Second half action saw Vassar make it a 2-0 score in the 52nd minute. Battling for the ball at the midfield, it caromed toward the near side as sophomore forward Ariana Pjetri sped to catch up. She connected, sending the ball across to a speeding London Wilkes, who battled a pair of New Paltz defenders. Getting the touch, Wilkes spun, settled and fired it into the right side for the score past Hawks keeper Kyra Russo.

The Brewers nearly had another chance to make it a 3-0 game late in the half as senior forward Skylar Herrera-Ross banked in a high arching shot, but Russo was there, leaping up to get the touch and send the ball safely over the crossbar and out of play.

In addition to the first collegiate shutout, it was also the first collegiate start for Mackenzie, who finished with two saves in the victory. Russo posted seven stops in the loss for New Paltz. Vassar owned a 20-5 advantage in shots for the contest, while also having a 5-2 edge on corner kicks.

The Brewers return to the pitch on Saturday, heading up the Thruway to take on Liberty League-rival Skidmore at 2pm in Saratoga Springs. New Paltz is also in action on Saturday, hosting SUNYAC-foe Oneonta at 1pm.