ALBANY, N.Y. – The Catamounts used a first half goal from Bailey Ayer and two second half scores on Thursday night to defeat UAlbany 3-0 to clinch the No. 6 seed in the America East playoffs. With the victory the Catamounts finished the regular season at 9-6-1 overall and 3-4-1 in America East play, while with the defeat the Great Danes fell to 4-10-2 overall and 1-5-2 in America East.
 
RELATED LINKS
Box Score | Box Score (.pdf)
 
COACH'S QUOTE 
"We're proud of this group to end the regular season with a solid win and shutout, especially on the road," said head coach Kristi Huizenga. "We weren't happy with our defensive performance last week and this was a priority for us today, so it was nice to execute on that. The goals were outstanding quality and we got a great lift from our bench as well. We are looking forward to prepping for the playoffs."

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Vermont earned a free kick from about 25 yards out in the 16th minute. Ayer stepped up to the spot for the Catamounts a drilled a low bouncing shot past the wall and into the left corner of the net to give UVM a 1-0 lead.
• The two teams battled throughout the rest of the first half without much action net, and Vermont carried their 1-0 lead into halftime.
• The Catamounts started the second half off fast and were able to push their lead to 2-0 in the 47th minute. Frances O'Donnell received a ball down the right wing and was able to run it down by the endline before sending a cross into a streaking Kate Bossert who sent a quick right-footed shot past the goalkeeper to put Vermont up 2-0.
• Sydney Remington gave the Catamounts extra cushion in the 75th minute. Abbey Knobel collected the ball on the right wing sending a ball into Fiona Doherty who quickly flicked it onto Remington who sent a shot into the left netting past the diving goalkeeper to help Vermont secure a 3-0 victory.
• The Great Danes threatened in the 88th minute with a penalty kick from Ashley Ladner, but Erin Murphy moved quickly to her right to make the save and preserve the clean sheet.

 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Vermont outshot UAlbany 15-8 with a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal.
• Ayer's goal put her at 15 points for the season which is third in the conference.
• Bossert scored her 10th goal of the season which is second in America East. She has 22 points which is also second.
• Murphy earned her second shutout of the season while collecting two saves.
• Remington scored her first goal of the season.

 
WHO'S NEXT
After tonight's victory the Catamounts earned a spot in the America East playoffs as the No. 6 seed and will play in the quarterfinals on Monday, October 30. Their opponent and start time are both yet to be determined.