Vermont defeated UAlbany 14-4 on April 18, clinching a place in the America East Playoffs during Senior Day at Virtue Field. The Catamounts improved their record to 8-6 overall and 4-1 in conference play, while UAlbany moved to 10-5 overall and 5-1 in the conference.
The game was significant as it marked both a celebration of Vermont’s seniors and a key victory that secured postseason play. Head Coach Sarah Dalton Graddock said, “A lot to celebrate today with our senior game, clinching, and beating Albany. I’m proud of the focus we had for this game and our execution. We will enjoy the victory and get ready for our last regular season game next weekend.”
The Catamounts started strong with an unassisted goal by Trauger just over two minutes into the first quarter. Trauger added two more goals before the end of the quarter for an early hat trick, giving Vermont a 3-0 lead after one period. In the second quarter, Vermont extended its lead with a six-goal run featuring contributions from Trauger and teammates Lefebvre and Doraz.
UAlbany managed to score early in the third quarter but could not close the gap as Vermont responded with three consecutive goals. The Great Danes scored twice at the start of the fourth quarter before Vermont finished strong to secure their ten-goal margin.
Trauger tied a program record by scoring eight goals in one game, becoming only the fifth Catamount ever to reach this mark. She also contributed two assists for a career-high ten points. Lefebvre and Doraz each scored twice; Haggerty added both a goal and an assist; Sethi also scored once.
Looking ahead, Vermont will travel to Lowell, Massachusetts on April 25 for their final regular season match against UMass Lowell at Cushing Field.
