Vassar Women’s Soccer Defeats RIT in Opener

By Amie Canfield

ROCHESTER – Sophomore midfielder Noelle Namba’s first half tally and a strong defensive effort proved the key factor as Vassar bested RIT, 1-0 in Liberty League women’s soccer action on Saturday afternoon. The victory moves the Brewers to 4-2-2 overall and 1-0-0, while the Tigers slip to 5-2-0 and are now 0-2-0 in Liberty League play.

RIT nearly opened the game with a score as sophomore forward Sam Halligan’s shot caromed off the crossbar and out in the 11th minute. The Brewers took back the momentum as Namba scored in the 23rd minute on a shot from 20-yards out.

The Tigers saw back-to-back shots from Maddy Bullis and Madison Corso fire off wide left and right, respectively in the early stages of the second half. Rookie Riley McGrath nearly got the Brewers on the board again in the 66th minute, her shot sailing toward the bottom left of the goal as keeper Darcie Jones scooped it up.

McGrath responded again less than a minute later, but her shot sailed over the top and out. RIT had another solid chance in the 75th minute as defender Roberta Moger sent a shot in, her attempt going just wide, while Halligan saw her shot from the top of the box miss as well minutes later.

Halligan had another solid attempt in the 82nd minute, but Vassar goalie Teresa Zimmer posted an outstanding stop to hold the line as the Brewers held on for the victory.

Both teams posted 10 shots apiece in the contest with RIT owning a 4-2 margin on goal.

The Brewers also owned a 2-0 advantage in corner kicks.

In goal, Zimmer earned the victory stopping all four shots she faced. In the RIT net, Jones recorded one save.