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TROY, N.Y. – Freshman Kate Whiston scored the eventual game-winning goal in the 87th minute to lead the Hamilton College women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), this afternoon in non-league play at East Campus Stadium. With the win, the Continentals improve to 3-1 on the season, while the Engineers drop to 2-3.
 
An evenly played opening 45 minutes saw both teams generate a handful of scoring opportunities. Sophomore Cori Winslow (Ballston Spa, NY/Ballston Spa) got behind the Hamilton defense, but couldn't get a shot away in the 10th minute.
 
Less than five minutes later, the Continentals sprung a 2-on-1 along the Rensselaer goal line, but junior Shelby Stromerson (Snohomish, WA/Glacier Peak) was able to clear the ball for the Engineers.
 
Hamilton looked dangerous on corner kicks all afternoon, and nearly stuck one home in the 27th minute, when junior Victoria Freeman (Freehold, NJ/Saint John Vianney) had back-to-back shots go wide and off the crossbar.
 
RPI came right back with chances at the other end of the field, as shots from Winslow and freshman Jessica Dabney (Austin, TX/James Bowie) had attempts that were saved by Hamilton rookie goalkeeper Rachel Cooley (Branchburg, NJ/Blair Academy).
 
The Continentals came out shooting in the second half, but long attempts from 25 and 30 yards away by freshman Katie Kreider (Boxford, MA/Phillips Andover Academy) were unable to test RPI first-year keeper Tori Riopelle (Ashburn, VA/Briar Woods), who finished with five saves on the day.
 
Senior captain Taylor Kortyko (Chandler, AZ/Hamilton) struck first for the hosts in the 63rd minute, when she redirected a cross from freshman Dali Alarian (Folsom, CA/Wista del Lago) just under the crossbar for her second of the season.
 
The visitors answered quickly, as Kreider hit a low shot past Riopelle to the tie the game in the 68th minute. The equalizing goal was assisted by senior halle Becker (Chappaqua, NY/Horace Greeley).
 
Kreider nearly netted her second of the day in the 81st minute, but her shot went off the crossbar. Seven minutes later, Whiston (Rye, NY/Rye) launched one from 25 yards out that found its way into the top right corner of the net for the deciding tally.
 
The Engineers return to the field on Wednesday, when they host Oneonta at East Campus Stadium (7:30pm). Hamilton hosts Connecticut on Saturday (11am).