TROY, N.Y. – Senior defender Julia Shively scored the game's only goal in the 57th minute to lead the Union College women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), this evening in Liberty League play at East Campus Stadium. With the win, the Dutchwomen improve to 8-2-2 (2-1-2 LL), while the Engineers drop to 7-4-1 (2-1 LL).
 
After an evenly played first half that saw the Engineers hold a slight 9-6 edge in shots, Union was able to break on top, when Shively (Wayland, MA/Wayland) headed home a corner kick for her first goal of the season. The tally, which was assisted by classmate Mollie Gilchrist (Tomhannock, NY/Hoosic Valley Central), was Shively's first since 2011.
 
Rensselaer won the possession battle in the game, earning 13 corners and outshooting the Dutchwomen, 22-9, but mustered just one shot goal.
 
Senior Sandy Kirk (Houston, TX/Clear Lake) attempted a team-high five shots, including the Engineers' only shot that found the frame. Her 89th minute effort from 20 yards was RPI best chance to pull even, but the well struck shot went just inches over the crossbar.
 
Union senior goalkeeper Allison Brustowicz (Newton, MA/Rivers) improved to 8-2-2, making one save. She was forced to deal with a pair of scrums in front of her net in the second half. In one instance she was able to claim a loose ball, while the other resulted in an RPI foul.
 
Freshman Tori Riopelle (Ashburn, VA/Briar Woods) registered three saves for RPI, which all came in the first half.
 
The Engineers return to action on Saturday, when they travel to Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. to take on Bard College (2pm). Union hosts 11th-ranked Williams Smith on Saturday (2pm).