PURCHASE, N.Y. - Led by the first career hat trick from freshman Robin Boot (Bedum, Netherlands/H.N. Werkman College), the Manhattanville College field hockey team clinched their first berth in the MAC Freedom playoffs since 2011 with a 3-2 win over Eastern University on a cold and rainy Senior Night at GoValiants.com Field.

Boot and the rest of the Valiants (10-5, 4-2 MAC Freedom) took advantage of multiple opportunities given to the Valiants by the Eagle defense during the game.  After Eastern (5-10, 2-4 MAC Freedom) took a 1-0 lead on a shot deflected into the back of the cage by Marissa Laganas, Boot stole a clearance attempt by Eagle goalkeeper Nicole Berger and buried a shot in the far corner of the cage to level the score at one goal apiece.  

The Valiants extended their lead late in the first half when the Eagles were called for covering the ball on a loose ball in front of the goalmouth.  On the ensuing penalty stroke Boot beat Laganas inside the right post to make it 2-1.  After a scoreless final four minutes of the half, the teams entered the break with the Valiants winning by the one-goal margin.  

Just over three minutes into the second half, Boot doubled the Valiant lead with her third goal of the game and fifth of the season after the Eagles again were called for covering the ball in front of the goalmouth, this time beating Laganas through the five-hole on the ensuing penalty stroke to make it 3-1 in favor of Manahattanville.

Junior goalkeeper Kaitlin Halloran (Nesconset, N.Y./Smithtown East) was outstanding in goal for the Valiants, playing the final 62 minutes between the pipes after replacing senior Meghan Hughes (Kintnersville, Pa./Palisades) who got the start in cage for Senior Night.  Halloran and the Valiant defense successfully defended 15 penalty corners, with the junior stopping 11 shots on the evening to earn her ninth win of the season.  

A goal with 11 minutes remaining by Gina Miller was not enough for the Eagles, as the Valiants held on late to earn the win and earn a spot in the MAC Freedom tournament beginning on November 2.  

The Valiants are back in action on Tuesday for their final non-conference game against Ramapo College before rounding out MAC Freedom play on Thursday against FDU-Florham in a game that will determine their seed in the postseason.  A win would ensure at least one home playoff game, as the Valiants would be either the one or two seed in the tournament.