Video Highlights

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Sophomore Anna Metcalf hit two free throws with less than 10 seconds remaining and the Union College defense made one final defensive stand as the Dutchwomen started off Liberty League play with a gritty 47-45 win over Clarkson University on Friday night at the Viniar Athletic Center.
 
The final stand was one of many for Union (2-3, 1-0 Liberty League) on the night, as the home team forced 24 turnovers and held Clarkson (4-2, 0-1 Liberty League) to 32.8 percent (19 of 58) shooting. Union held the Golden Knights without a field goal over the final 5:15 of the game, limiting the visitors to just two points over that span.
 
The game was tied at 42 with 3:52 remaining following a free throw by Metcalf, but Clarkson regained the lead with a pair of free throws. However, a steal by sophomore Darby Leid led to a fast-break bucket by classmate Amber Raisner to tie the score with 1:38 remaining.
 
A pair of defensive stands got Union back the ball with under 15 seconds left and a chance to win. Metcalf was fouled going to the hoop and calmly sunk two free throws to put the home team ahead, and the defense forced an off-balance attempt at the buzzer to escape with the win.
 
Freshman Megan Lee sparked the Union offense in the second half, scoring a team-high 12 points and grabbing five rebounds. Metcalf and senior Elly Vaughan added nine points apiece, with Vaughan also filling up the stat sheet with four rebounds, four blocks and three steals.
 
Union emerged victorious despite shooting just 31.4 percent (16 of 51) from the field and 1-of-10 from beyond the arc. The Dutchwomen won in large part to the defense, as the offense converted 18 points off turnovers and held a 17-4 edge in fast-break points.
 
Union will return to the court tomorrow, as the Dutchwomen host St. Lawrence University in another Liberty League matchup starting at 2 p.m. at the Viniar Athletic Center.