Box ScorePOUGHKEEPSIE, NY -- The Union Dutchwomen survived a late Vassar rally to defeat the Brewers 13-9 and take sole possession of first place in the Liberty League. Union had previously been tied with Hamilton and Skidmore for the league's top spot.
Union is now 8-3 overall and 6-1 in league play, while Vassar falls to 6-5 and 1-4. The Dutchwomen have won six straight.
The Brewers' Ali Fantl (West Hartford, CT/ Hall) scored the game's first goal at 23:57. The Dutchwomen responded quickly with a goal by
Molly Flanagan (Simsbury, CT/ Loomis Chaffee). At 16:14, Union took the lead for the first time on the first of
Erin Lawson's (Flourtown, PA/ Springside) five goals. The Brewers would regain the lead quickly, however, on a pair of scores by Kristin Hogan (Elicott City, MD/ The Park School) and Fantl.
With 7:39 left in the first half, Lawson began a string of seven unanswered Union goals, including three each by Flanagan and
Kathy Dolezal (Clearwater, FL/ Williston, Northampton). By 7:31 in the second half, the Dutchwomen had extended their lead to 13-6.
The Brewers added some late drama with three quick goals. Emilie Moeckel (Wilmington, DE/Tatnall) scored twice and Fantl added her third goal to bring the score to 13-9. The Dutchwomen defense proceeded to shut down the Brewers and preserve the lead.
Union goalkeeper
Rachel Beckman (Needham, MA/ Needham) recorded 12 saves on 22 shots. Vassar counterpart Ariel Nelson (Greenlawn, NY Harborfields) totaled 11 saves on 22 shots.
Lawson led all scorers with five goals. Fantl and Moeckel had three goals each, and Moeckel added an assist.
Union will finish its Liberty League schedule at Hamilton on Friday. A win would clinch the league's regular season title and home field for the league playoffs on May 6 and 8.
