Riverdale, NY - The showdown between two Skyline powerhouses did not disappoint. 

The University of Mount Saint Vincent and Sarah Lawrence College battled on Marillac Field on Wednesday evening, with the winner earning their rightful place in the Skyline Conference championship game on Saturday. Both sides faced off in a tremendous battle, with the deciding factor being penalty kids. It was the Dolphins who eventually walked away victorious by the score of 4-3, resulting in hosting the conference's final game in back-to-back seasons. 

It was all Gryphons throughout the duration of the first half. Sarah Lawrence - the only conference team to defeat the Dolphins in 2024 - controlled the possession game for a majority of the 45 minutes while out-shooting UMSV 11-5. Goalkeeper Javiera Sanchez, who would later become the star of the contest, turned away both shots she saw over that span to keep the score tied at zero. 

The game flipped in the second half, as the Dolphins would make strides offensively. Head coach Jason Weisberg would turn to Brittany Boyle, Jasmine Hewitt and Aubrey Gulbin off the bench, as the trio's combined athleticism and speed would lead to more chances. First Team All-Skyline recipient Alicia Rodriguez and standout freshman Ima Kellerman would both have tremendous chances to score, but each was stifled away by strong Gryphons goaltending. 

As the game went into extra time, the Dolphins kept up the pressure. They would take five total shots in the first overtime period, while the defense - led by Cameron Cruz, Maddie Halford and Gisselle Soria - would hold Sarah Lawrence's offense to just one shot across both extra periods. 

Weisberg would turn to his first-year athletes to open the penalty kicks. Grace Kennedy and Julianna Agueci each scored their shot attempts while Sanchez turned around and made two saves. Soria would also knock one in for UMSV. The Gryphons, however, wouldn't go down without a fight. They would score the next two; and with the game on the line, Weisberg would call on Sanchez for the fifth penalty shot attempt. After pitching a shutout across 110 minutes, she would score the deciding penalty shot to push her team to the finals. 

The Dolphins welcome Farmingdale State College to Riverdale on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 PM.