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Union wins Liberty League Women’s Soccer Championship
November 5, 2005
GENEVA, N.Y.—Union College sophomore midfielder Caitlin Cuozzo (King Phillip/Norfolk, Mass.) netted two second half goals to upset fifth-ranked William Smith 2-0 in the 2005 Liberty League Women’s Soccer Championship match this afternoon on William Smith Field. The 21st-ranked Dutchwomen earn the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
It was an even opening 45 minutes as second-seeded Union (17-1-2) edged the top-seeded Herons 5-3 in shots. William Smith (15-1-1) had the best scoring opportunity as senior defender Seraphine Hamilton (The Peddie School/Trenton, N.J.) hit the lower left post on a penalty kick in the 21st minute.
The Dutchwomen turned up the offensive pressure in the second half, outshooting the Herons 11-1. Cuozzo opened the scoring just 42 seconds into the half, converting off a feed from senior striker Cassandra Mariani (Morris Catholic/Boonton, N.J.) during a scramble inside the 18-yard box.
Cuozzo registered her 15th goal of the season just seven minutes later to round out the scoring. Mariani generated the scoring opportunity as she lofted in a pass from the right flank. Cuozzo gathered the bouncing ball and chipped the insurance goal over the outstretched arms of junior goalkeeper Nikki Dudley (Chittenango/Chittenango, N.Y.).
Dudley turned away nine Union offerings, while senior netminder Julie Gawronski (Dunkirk/Dunkirk, N.Y.) made two saves to register the win.
NCAA Tournament pairings will be determined late Sunday night. Fans should check the HWS Web site to find out who the Herons will play next.