Posted by Katie Peverada
Even though it feels like just yesterday fall athletic competitions were getting underway, it's time to start thinking about the playoffs. Women's soccer, men's soccer, field hockey, and volleyball are all competing for spots in the tournament.
Field Hockey: The 17th ranked field hockey team sits at 10-3 overall, and their 3-1 League record has them at 3rd place overall. Skidmore has five games remaining, two of which come against conference foes. The opponents happen to be the two schools in front of them in the league standings, Rochester and William Smith. Wins against both would go a long way to securing not only one of the four playoff spots, but also the right to hold the tournament. Skidmore faces Rochester on Oct. 25 and William Smith the following day.
Friday Oct. 25 at 4 p.m. against University of Rochester
Saturday Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. against William Smith College
Women's Soccer: The 16th ranked women's soccer team is tied with William Smith for first in the League with a 4-0 record. A showdown that could determine who hosts the four-team tournament comes against William Smith on Saturday, but it is just one of four remaining Liberty League matchups. RIT and RPI are two of those opponents, and both sit just one game behind Skidmore in the standings. So while Skidmore, with its 9-0-2 overall record, doesn't have to win out to make the playoffs, doing so would ensure the tournament is held at Wachenheim field.
Saturday Oct. 26 at 3 p.m. against St. Lawrence University
Men's Soccer: With a 2-1-1 Liberty League record, the men's soccer team sits in the fourth and final playoff spot with four games remaining, and all will affect their position. While a win against first place St. Lawrence would be more than helpful, a victory over 2-2 RIT would help create some breathing room in the points standings (7 to 6). In this case, Skidmore is in control of its own destiny.
Volleyball: With a 1-5 conference record, it might not seem like the Thoroughbreds have a chance to make the four-team tournament. However, five remaining Liberty League matchups create an opportunity for the team to sneak in. Two matches against 1-3 RIT will be crucial for a tie-breaker, and a match against Vassar would pull them within reach. However, another loss and Skidmore will likely be out of the Liberty League Championships.
*Although the tournaments for golf, women's tennis and men's tennis won't take place until the spring, they have all qualified to take part.