BURLINGTON, Vt. –Alina Gerke had two goals to lead Vermont in a 4-0 win over UC Davis Friday afternoon in America East action from Moulton Winder Field.

Friday was UVM's America East Spread Respect game. America East's Spread Respect initiative raises awareness to ensure equality and safety for all student-athletes, coaches and fans without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. With the win UVM improved to 9-4 this season and 2-2 in conference play.
 
RELATED LINKS
Box Score | Box Score PDF
CatamounTV Highlights

 COACH'S QUOTE
"We knew that we were going to have to battle today, really weather some pressure and I thought our players really battled through that," head coach Kate Pfeifer said. "We were able to capitalize on a couple key moments in the attacking zone and our defense is really what won the game for us today."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• UVM opened the scoring 8:39 into the first quarter off a penalty corner opportunity. A Clodagh Ferry shot from the top of the shooting circle was stopped by UC Davis' goaltender Kalli Wagnon and the Aggies attempted to clear. However, the UC Davis clearing attempt was intercepted by Sophia Drees who fired it in the back of the net for her fourth goal of the season.
• Just under four minute later UVM struck again to double its lead. Perry Willett forced a turnover around midfield and quickly got the ball up to Alina Gerke. Without hesitation Gerke turned and fired her sixth goal of the campaign past Wagnon.
• UVM added a third goal with 6:13 left in the fourth quarter. Kate Hall earned a penalty corner and then setup the goal herself. She took a short corner to Puck Kwaspen and Kwaspen fired a low attempt towards the net that Gerke perfectly deflected in for her second of the game.
• Haley Buffenbarger closed out the scoring for Vermont with a penalty stroke goal with 3:57 left in regulation. Buffenbarger confidently fired a shot in the bottom right of the net for her first goal of the campaign.
• UVM's Sierra Espeland made four saves over the 60 minutes to earn her fourth shutout of the season.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Nine wins are a new high under Head Coach Kate Pfeifer. UVM's last nine-win campaign was in 2008, UVM finished that season at 9-9.
• UVM now holds a 4-1 advantage in the series history with the Aggies.
• This afternoon was Vermont's first four-goal conference win since defeating New Hampshire 4-0 on October 21, 2005.
• With today's win, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate $100 to Vermont Foodbank as part of the Cats Win, Community Wins initiative. Vermont Mutual has committed to donating $15,000 to Vermont Foodbank for the 2021 season. A special thank you to Vermont Mutual Insurance for their support. Vermont Mutual Insurance, protecting Vermonters since 1828.

WHO'S NEXT
On Sunday afternoon the Catamounts will welcome California to Moulton Winder Field for another east versus west America East matchup. Action between the Golden Bears and UVM is set for noon and will stream live on AmericaEast.TV.

ORDER YOUR EXCLUSIVE VERMONT FIELD HOCKEY GEAR BEFORE OCTOBER 11
Through Monday October 11 fans have an exclusive opportunity to purchase Nike UVM field hockey gear directly from UVM's apparel supplier BSN Sports. Customize gear with your favorite players number. Order today at https://www.bsnteamsports.com/shop/FHUVM21. Orders will be fulfilled within 10 weeks.