Posted by Audrey Nelson
Undefeated in Liberty League play and ranked No. 7 in the country, Skidmore's field hockey team has earned its spot in the Liberty League championship against the winner of the Hamilton vs. William Smith match on Nov. 3.
This week, the team shut-out both Wheaton and Union to advance to the Liberty League championship for the fourth consecutive year.
On Oct. 30, the Thoroughbreds set a new program record with their 15th consecutive win of the season, beating Wheaton College 7-0 on Clark Field.
Senior Christine Kemp became Skidmore's all-time leading scorer with a nine-point performance. Kemp scored the first goal of the game and made an assist to senior Brittany O'Brien's goal at the 10:52 mark, giving her 181 career points, surpassing Taryn Howard's record-holding career total of 180. Kemp finished the game with 187 total career points.
O'Brien blasted the game's second goal on a penalty corner, scoring her sixth goal of the season. The Thoroughbreds finished the first half with a 2-0 advantage.
Quick into the second half, Kelly Blackhurst ‘14 made her 18th goal of the season at the 36:39 mark. Less than two minutes later, Kemp deflected junior Annie Rosencrans' pass past the Lion's goalie, tallying the score up to 4-0.
Senior Lauren McCarthy made her fourth goal of the season at the 40:33 mark, while Kemp took the final goals of the game, capping the score off at 7-0 shut-out.
On Nov. 3, the Thoroughbreds beat Union College 3-0, for the third straight year, in the Liberty League semifinals at Thoroughbred Field.
Rosencrans made the first goal early in the game at the 5:40 mark. Blackhurst upped the score to 2-0, her 19th goal of the season, when Kemp sent a pass across the circle at the 17:34 mark.
In the second half, the team capped off the score at 3-0 with Rosencrans' second goal at the 45:11 mark.
The Thoroughbreds a held shot advantage throughout the game of 22-11, and held a 17-8 advantage in penalty corners.
Keeper Liz Catinella '11 made seven saves for her third shutout of the season, and Skidmore's ninth.
Skidmore will host the winner of the Hamilton vs. William Smith match at 1 p.m. on Nov. 6 for the Liberty League championship game.