FINAL SCORE: No. 2 Vermont 13, No. 3 Binghamton 21
ALBANY, N.Y. – Ava Vasile netted the game-winning goal with 7.8 seconds left to lift No. 2 Vermont (13-4, 3-3 AE) to a 13-12 victory over No. 3 Binghamton in the America East Semifinals on Thursday night at John Fallon Field. With the victory, the Catamounts advance to the America East Championship Game for the first time in program history.  
 
RELATED LINKS
Box Score
CatamounTV Highlights
Photos
 
COACH'S QUOTE
"I'm so proud of this team for advancing to the championship for the first time in program history," head coach Sarah Dalton Graddock said. "We're looking forward to a guaranteed two more days as we prepare for Albany."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The league foes played a tightly contested first quarter, finishing the opening frame in a 3-3 tie. Emily Masera struck first for Binghamton just 45 seconds in to the game, but Grace Giancola countered to make the game 1-1 with 12:31 left in the quarter. The Bearcats pulled back in front nearly six minutes later, before UVM answered with two quick goals to take a 3-2 lead. Taylor Mullen scored the initial goal with 3:32 remaining in the frame, and Vasile netted her first of the evening 19 seconds later. Madison Murphy would then score the equalizer for BU with 1:47 left in the quarter.
• After an early second quarter goal for Binghamton, UVM rattled of three straight goals to take a 6-4 lead. Mullen, Vasile, and Giancola fueled the Vermont run, each scoring their second goals of the game. The Bearcats would outscore the Catamounts 2-1 in the final 8:45 of the frame, with Vermont taking a 7-6 lead into the break.
• The Catamounts opened up the second half with two quick goals to take a 9-6 lead. Kerry Gerety started the UVM run with a free-position goal 2:17 into the frame. Vasile scored 1:21 later for the three-goal lead. Hayley Weltner stopped the run with her 15th tally of the season, and Kenna Newman cut the deficit to one with 6:10 left in the third quarter.
• The Bearcats tied the game at 9-9 early in the fourth quarter, but the Catamounts answered with three straight goals to take a 12-9 lead. McKenzie Ballard gave Vermont the three-goal advantage, scoring a woman-up goal with 8:05 to play. Binghamton chipped away at the lead, and Abby Carroll netted the equalizer with 2:20 remaining.
• Vermont forced a Binghamton turnover in the final 30 seconds of regulation, and the Catamounts marched up the field. Vasile split the Bearcats' defenders and charged to the net for the winning tally.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• The Catamounts set the single-season program record with their 13th victory of the 2022 campaign.
• Vasile's six goals came on 11 shots, with seven directed on goal. The junior moved her season's goal total to 59, which is the second highest in program history. Vasile needs only three goals to set the single-season goal record.
• Giancola registered a hat trick for the fifth time this season, scoring her three goals on five shots.
• Sophie McLaughlin made 11 saves in goal for the Catamounts.
• With today's win, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate $100 to COTS, the Committee on Temporary Shelter, as part of the Cats Win, Community Wins initiative. A special thank you to Vermont Mutual Insurance for their support. Vermont Mutual Insurance, protecting Vermonters since 1828.

UP NEXT
The second-seeded Catamounts will face No. 1 UAlbany (8-8, 5-1 AE) in the America East Championship on Saturday (May 7) at John Fallon Field. The opening draw is set for 2 p.m. and will broadcast live on ESPN+. Tickets are available for purchase online at UAlbanySports.com.