Posted by Isaac Baker
After a slow start in the first half, the men's lacrosse team found the back of the net seven times in the second period, firmly securing their 12-8 win against Western Connecticut State in their home-opener. Part way through the second period, the score was tied 4-4, but Skidmore's relentless shooting brought its opponent to their knees.
Skidmore outshot West Conn. 48-28 and completed 20 out of 23 attempted clears, as opposed to West Conn.'s 15-of-25. Mike Holden '13 and Tyler Masters '13 scored the first two goals of the game to put Skidmore up 2-0. Their early successes carried throughout the game; Holden finished the match with four goals and two assists, while Masters netted two goals overall.
This game was a strong start for the team and boosts their overall record to 2-0, giving a polished record to match the team's new jerseys this season.
After Skidmore's loss to Haverford on neutral turf March 9, the team heads to Florida to heat up the competition for a game over break.
Women's lacrosse
What started off as a slow game quickly turned into a fast paced shootout that left the women's lacrosse team with a sizable win in their season opener against Mt. Holyoke College. Senior Lindsey Stavola '11 lead the way for the Thoroughbreds in their 12-3 win with five goals and four assists.
Skidmore controlled the tempo of the game, especially during the second half, keeping the ball on the offensive end for the majority of the game. Lauren Madden '12 ended the game with three goals.
Many other players had their first goals of the season, including Summer Segalas '14 and Robin Fetterolf '14, who each scored their first goals of their college careers. After Rachel Klein '13 made five saves in goal, Annie Keeler' 14 got between the bars in her first college appearance, making two saves in the last five minutes of the game.
Coming out of a losing season last year, this game was an auspicious start for the women's lacrosse team. It was also the first game for the new women's head coach, Elizabeth Ghilardi, indicating that the new management is partially contributing to the new success of the team.
The team hosts Manhattanville College Mar. 10 before heading to Maryland over spring break to play McDaniel and Wisconsin Concordia.
Riding
Another week and another first place spot for the riding team. The event took place at Hartwick College where 9 teams competed for the highest rank. Skidmore won the event with 42 points, narrowly beating Colgate who had 39. Flavia D'Urso '13, Kelly Campbell '12, Alex McGuire '11 and Molly Parker '13 were the winning, pointed riders for Skidmore.
Winning on the flat and over fences, McGuire went head to head with Morrisville State College's Jill Featherly for top honors. McGuire's elegant rides earned her High Point Rider of the show. Marisa McCullough '13 and Megan Merritt '11 both finished second in their respective competitions, giving the Thoroughbreds the points they needed to finish first overall.
D'Urso, McGuire, Campbell, Kaitlin Swartwood '11 and Maria Lorenc '11 all qualified for the regional championships. They will go to compete for these individual titles April 2, 2011. The next show for Skidmore's so-far-perfect riders will be after break on March 26.
Women's tennis
The women's tennis team recorded two victories this weekend: one against William Smith and the other against Ithaca. The clean sweep pushes the team's overall record to 6-0, including games from last September.
Against William Smith on Friday, the team dominated the singles rounds, picking up wins from Nataly Mendoza '13 and Sophia Bryan-Ajania '14. Both players also combined with other teammates to win their respective doubles rounds. The overall score was close, but Skidmore came out on top 5-4.
On Saturday, Skidmore owned the net, sweeping through against Ithaca 8-1. Skidmore's Mendoza, Nolan, Melissa Hirsch '14 and Robyn Baird '14 all had winning rounds in both their singles and their doubles matches. The team will head to California over spring break, where they will play against Pomona-Pitzer and UT Tyler, also accompanied by men's tennis.
While the racket teams head west, both baseball and softball travel south for spring break to start their seasons in the warmth of Kissimmee, Fla.