GENEVA, N.Y. (Nov. 5, 2005)Union College sophomore midfielder Caitlin Cuozzo (King Phillip Regional/Norfolk, Mass.) netted two second half goals to upset fifth-ranked William Smith 2-0 in the 2005 women's soccer Liberty League championship match this afternoon on William Smith Field. The #21 ranked Dutchwomen earn the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

It was an even opening 45 minutes as second-seeded Union (17-1-2) edged the top-seeded Herons 5-3 in shots. William Smith (15-1-1) had the best scoring opportunity as senior defender Seraphine Hamilton (The Peddie School/Trenton, N.J.) hit the lower left post on a penalty kick in the 21st minute.

The Dutchwomen turned up the offensive pressure in the second half, outshooting the Herons 11-1. Cuozzo opened the scoring just 42 seconds into the half, converting off a feed from senior striker Cassandra Mariani (Morris Catholic/Boonton, N.J.) during a scramble inside the 18-yard box.

Cuozzo registered her 15th goal of the season just seven minutes later to round out the scoring. Mariani generated the scoring opportunity as she lofted in a pass from the right flank. Cuozzo gathered the bouncing ball and chipped the insurance goal over the outstretched arms of William Smith junior goalkeeper Nikki Dudley (Chittenango/Chittenango, N.Y.).

Dudley turned away nine Union offerings, while senior netminder Julie Gawronski (Dunkirk/Dunkirk, N.Y.) made two saves to register the win and earn her sixth shutout of the season.