SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Behind a strong third quarter effort, the Vassar College women's basketball team powered past Union College, 44-38 in Liberty League action on Tuesday evening. The victory moves the Brewers to 7-6 overall with a 4-2 mark in league play. The Dutchwomen slip to 3-9 and are now 1-5 in the Liberty League.

Trailing 20-18 after the opening two periods of play, the Brewers capitalized with a 5-0 run in the opening minutes of the third quarter to tie the game at 23-all – backed by a three-pointer from sophomore guard Julia Harvey. Union battled back on the next possession with an inside shot from Megan Lee, but free throw makes at the 6:55 mark by VC senior captain Alex Lee made it a 25-25 score.

Trailing by one, the Brewers grabbed their first lead of the contest as a layup from Lee off a feed from rookie guard Sierra McDermed at 2:43 put Vassar ahead 28-27. The lead expanded to three (30-27) behind free throw makes from Harvey, while consecutive buckets from McDermed over the final 29 seconds of play helped send Vassar into the final quarter with a 34-27 advantage.

Ahead by a 36-31 margin midway through the stanza, Vassar saw the Dutchwomen bounce back as Kennedy Clark dropped in a key jumper at 3:05 on the clock to close the lead to three (36-33). A free throw from rookie center Bella Tawney once again made it a two-possession game (37-33) with 2:27 remaining.

Following a three-pointer from sophomore guard Tash Thompson, which opened up a 40-34 lead at 1:11, Union saw a late push as Clark and Megan Lee each poured in buckets to cut the margin to two (40-38) with just 28 seconds to play.

Over the final seconds, the Brewers took advantage at the charity stripe, dropping in four straight shots from senior guard and captain Eliza Srinivasan and McDermed to seal the victory.

Vassar was paced by Lee, who dropped in 13 points with nine rebounds and a steal. Srinivasan had nine points with seven boards, banking in three assists and a steal, while McDermed had seven points, two caroms, an assist, a block and three steals.

Union was led by Lee, who posted a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds to go along with an assist and a steal. Clark chipped in with nine points, four caroms and a steal, while Kendall Degenhardt had four points, a rebound, an assist and a game-best four steals.

The Brewers return to action on Friday when it hosts Clarkson University in Liberty League action at the AFC Gym. Game time is set for 5:30pm, while the Dutchwomen host RIT on Friday, also at 5:30pm.