CLINTON, NY – Rochester clinched its first-ever playoff berth in the Liberty League field hockey championships with a 4-1 victory over Hamilton College here.

Kari Plewniak scored two goals for the Yellowjackets. Courtney Nussbaum had a goal and one assist. Revay Wilson scored once.

At 4-3 in the league (9-7 overall), the Yellowjackets will be the number three seed in the league tournament. Rochester will face second-seeded Skidmore. The other semifinal pairs top-seed (and host) William Smith and fourth-seeded Union. Game times and dates are yet to be announced.

After a 3-1 loss at St. Lawrence on Friday, the Yellowjackets faced a must-win situation against the Continentals. It took just over 14 minutes to break through. Nussbaum set up Wilson for a 1-0 lead with 22:58 left in the half.

Plewniak made it 2-0 with 13:26 remaining on an unassisted goal. Kerry Leonard scored for Hamilton, assisted by Kristen Archibald with 30:49 left in the match.

Plewniak stretched the lead to 3-1 with 15:13 left (from Krista Butler) and Nussbaum clinched the victory and playoff spot by rattling home a penalty corner from Mary DiMatteo with 6:51 on the clock.

Rochester held a 12-7 advantage in shots and a slight 11-10 lead in penalty corners. The Yellowjacket defense held the Continentals without a shot in the first half. Rachel Cahan made one save to pick up the win in goal. Erin Weinstock had five saves for Hamilton.