SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The Union College field hockey team scored two goals in just over two minutes early in the second period to take the lead for good in a 3-1 Liberty League victory over Skidmore College on Friday afternoon at Frank Bailey Field at Bertagna-Class of 1985 Stadium.
 
Juniors Rachel Ostiguy and Maddie Greco and sophomore Maggie Monaghan earned the goals for Union (9-6, 4-1 Liberty League) on the afternoon, as the home team posted a 16-6 edge in shots. Greco's goal was her 14th of the season and the 47th of her record-setting career, breaking a tie with Jessica Trotter '07 for most in program history.
 
With the win, Union clinches a postseason berth for the third straight season and also keeps the team atop the Liberty League standings with two conference games remaining, currently sitting a half-game ahead of Vassar College and the University of Rochester at 3-1.
 
After a scoreless opening frame, Ostiguy put the home team ahead for good in the 17th minute by tipping home a penalty corner shot from senior Megan Dorsey for her fourth tally of the year. Two minutes later Greco doubled the team by depositing a feed from classmate Amy Vytopilova into the back of the net for her record-setting tally and a 2-0 Union lead that made its way into halftime.
 
Skidmore (7-8, 2-3 Liberty League) got back within a goal thanks to a penalty corner at the end of the third period, but that was the last shot allowed by the Union defense. The Garnet Chargers took the only five shots of the fourth period, three coming after the Thoroughbreds pulled their goalie with 4:23 remaining. Monaghan finally provided the insurance tally with 10 seconds left to seal the victory.
 
Senior Sophie Brady made three saves to earn the win for Union, while Nicole Sylvestri stopped nine shots to keep the visitors close.
 
Union will be back in action on Sunday with a 1 p.m. matchup at St. Lawrence University.