Riverdale, NY - The stage has been set. 

The University of Mount Saint Vincent, who entered the Skyline Conference Championship Tournament as the second set, earned their way into the final after knocking off #3 Farmingdale State College in Riverdale on Tuesday. Junior Nadine Padilla sent the team to the championship in just the second minute of the first overtime period after Second Team All-Skyline selection Ariana Hernandez found her streaking towards the net. #5 Sarah Lawrence College, meanwhile, knocked off #1 United States Merchant Marine Academy in penalty kicks on Wednesday night in King's Point. 

The Gryphons upset victory moved the final contest to Marillac Field, the fourth time is as many years that the Dolphins hosted the championship game. 

Both teams have been among the premier programs the Skyline has to offer and have matched up in multiple big games over the last decade. The Dolphins and Gryphons most notably matched up in the Skyline Conference semifinal back in 2024, where the scored remained knotted at zero until penalty kicks. It was there where goalkeeper Javiera Sanchez sent UMSV to fight for the conference's final prize with the final penalty shot attempt. 

Both teams remain as even as it gets. They entered their regular season matchup with unbeaten conference records, and the two teams finished 90 minutes of play with a 0-0 draw. The Dolphins, however, controlled the pace of play while leading the way in both total shots (11-4), shots on goal (5-3) and corner kicks (5-0). 

Head coach Jason Weisberg has led the team to this point, in large part thanks to his back line. Senior Kaitlyn Grady, who became a full-time starter just this season, received First Team All-Skyline honors after allowing just 0.66 goals per contest in 16 games this season. She has been fronted by a veteran defense, led by First Team All-Conference selection Gisselle Soria, Second Team honoree Maddie Halford and Cameron Cruz, a trio of seniors who have been starting together since their careers began in Riverdale. Sophomores Hannah Mejia and Kate Russell have stepped up in defensive roles as well, giving the Dolphins both strength and depth at the position. 

Kerrigyn Lynam, meanwhile, has gotten it done on both ends of the field in her second season with the program. A First Team All-Skyline selection and runner up for conference Defender of the Year, Lynam has locked opponents down in the midfield while recording five goals and four assists in the regular season. Hernandez may come off the bench, but she is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Skyline and gives Weisberg a tremendous boost in the middle of matches. Freshman Kiana Navarrete, meanwhile, has slid right into a starting role and has looked comfortable in her first collegiate season. Navarrete has logged over 1000 minutes this season and has been a steadying presence throughout. 

The Dolphins offense has found help from all over the roster. Senior Brittany Boyle and sophomore Michelle Zuniga each received All-Conference recognition, as the pair became the team's one-two punch while seniors Eva Puentes and Lily Ostiguy bring a physical brand of soccer to the unit. Padilla has gotten the job done both as a starter and coming off the bench, giving the team options up and down the roster. 

UMSV has put it all together to win their first conference championship since the program's first in 2023. In just 24 hours, time will tell who walks away with the crown. 

Click HERE to buy your tickets tomorrow's final. Admission is free with a valid UMSV ID.