Get ready for an epic showdown as Union College's field hockey team makes history! A battle for the Liberty League title awaits!
On Sunday, November 9th, 2025, the second-seeded Garnet Chargers will face off against the top-seeded Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. This marks the first time ever that Union has reached this stage, and the anticipation is palpable.
But here's where it gets interesting... Union's fall sports teams are on a roll! The field hockey team is joined by men's and women's soccer, and women's volleyball, all qualifying for the postseason. And with the football team's unbeaten conference run, Union is the only Liberty League school with all five sports still in the title race. Talk about a dominant force!
The teams: Union (13-7, 5-2 Liberty League) and Vassar (12-6, 5-2 Liberty League) are tied at the top of the conference. Both advanced to this stage with semifinal wins, setting the stage for an intense championship game. Union's victory over Ithaca College and Vassar's comeback against William Smith College have fueled the fire for this showdown.
Postseason history reveals Union's resilience. After 13 years, the Garnet Chargers are back in the Liberty League Tournament, and their win over the Bombers is a historic first. Breaking a 13-game losing streak, Union's journey to this title game is a testament to their determination.
Union and Vassar have met 50 times, with Union leading the series 33-16. However, Vassar has been on a roll lately, winning seven of the last eight encounters. The last time these teams faced off, Union dominated with a 3-0 victory. But Vassar claimed the win in their only postseason meeting so far.
The last meeting between these rivals was a close one. On October 5th, Vassar handed Union their first conference defeat, a 2-1 nail-biter. Union dominated the first half but couldn't find the net. Junior Rachel Ostiguy kept Union in the game with a goal early in the fourth frame, but it wasn't enough.
Union's regular season was impressive, finishing with a 12-7 record and a 5-2 conference mark. This ties for the fourth-highest win total in program history, and they're just one win away from matching the second-highest ever.
Union's offensive prowess is a force to be reckoned with. Leading the Liberty League in scoring for the fourth straight season, Union averages an impressive 3.45 goals per game in 2025. With 69 goals in 20 games, they've shattered their previous record of 59. And with 14 different players finding the back of the net, it's a true team effort.
The senior class of Sophie Brady, Kat Bruun, and Megan Dorsey is leaving an indelible mark on Union's field hockey history. With 49 wins over the last four seasons, they're the most successful class ever. Union has set new program records for wins over two and three-year spans, and their Liberty League dominance is undeniable.
Individual achievements are also worth celebrating. Junior Maddie Greco is Union's all-time leader in career goals and points, bringing an impressive 48 goals and 13 assists into this game. Senior goalie Sophie Brady holds the school record for career wins (35) and ranks highly in goals against average and total saves. Megan Dorsey broke the school record for career assists last season and is tied for seventh all-time with 71 points.
Vassar's offense is led by Zoe Robinson, who has 12 goals and an assist for 25 points. Robinson and teammate Karina Hoffman are among the top point scorers in the conference. Grace Wiley, Vassar's goalie, ranks third in the conference with a low goals against average and a solid save percentage.
The stakes are high! The winner of this game will secure the Liberty League's automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. The selection announcement on Sunday evening will be a nerve-wracking wait for both teams.
Get your game face on and join us for this thrilling Liberty League Championship! Who will claim the title? Find out on Sunday, November 9th, at 2:00 PM at Vassar's Weinberg Turf Field. It's a battle you won't want to miss!
And this is the part most people miss... the impact of these players extends beyond the field. Their dedication, skill, and teamwork inspire us all. So, let's celebrate their achievements and the beautiful game of field hockey!
What do you think? Who will emerge victorious? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below! Let's discuss and celebrate this thrilling sport together!
