Posted by Isaac Baker
The men's basketball team broke even this week with a sizable win against Hamilton (71-55) and with a loss to league leader, Hobart. Friday night's victory against Hamilton was the final blow in Skidmore's clean sweep of the Continentals this season. Riding on a 1,000-point mark over break, Jeff Altimar '11 came back with his usual intensity and led the team to victory with a team-high of 16 points.
The game against Hobart the following day, however, produced poorer results. Skidmore started the game on a cold-streak, hitting just one of the first 20 shots. Though the Thoroughbreds managed to close the gap to five, the game's initial trend prevailed; the final score was 75-66.
Altimar received Liberty League Perfomer of the Week after averaging 13.3 points and 3 rebounds. The Thoroughbreds compete next on the road Feb. 11 against Rensselaer.
Women's basketball
After a closely contested loss last week to Union, Skidmore returned with a vengeance this week to its home court, beating Hamilton and William Smith in two well-fought matches. Friday night's game against Hamilton started off with a bang when Megan Gaugler '12 and Christina Gargiso '12 collectively made five consecutive 3-pointers, putting Skidmore on a 15-0 run. Hamilton, however, held on, and managed to narrow the gap to one point in the final quarter. Though the tension was high, Skidmore's fundamentals kept them afloat in the final minutes as they shot five for six from the line to win 56-50.
Saturday's game also proved to be a success as the Thoroughbreds surged ahead in the second half with their 56-49 win against William Smith. Gaugler carried the team and put up a scintillating 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 blocks. This win brings their record to 10-10 overall and 6-4 in the league.
Gaugler received Liberty League Performer of the Week for her efforts against both league competitors. She averaged 19 points and 8 rebounds for the week. Her standout performance played out against Union, where she recorded a double-double of 19 points and 10. Skidmore plays next Feb. 11 against RPI on the road.
Ice hockey
The Skidmore hockey team went on the road this week, traveling to Maine where they edged out the University of New England 2-1, and lost to the University of Southern Maine 3-2. With 11:25 remaining in Friday night's battle against UNE, Brad Schuler '14 found the back of the net after a crisp pass from Dalton Weinstein '14, pushing Skidmore into a lead that held for the rest of the game. This was Skidmore's fifth consecutive win and the team hoped to maintain its momentum the following night.
Unfortunately, the USM goalie played like a brick wall Saturday, saving 35 of 37 shots on goal. Though the Thoroughbreds made every attempt to tie the game, their efforts were in vain. Despite ending their winning streak, the team hopes to find their footing once more in the upcoming home games Friday and Saturday night against St. Michael's and Norwich University.
Swimming and Diving
While many were just waking up Saturday afternoon, the Skidmore Swimming and Diving team was already suited up and prepared to host Vassar and William Smith at the 2011 Skidmore Sprint Invitational.
Swimmer Carrie Koch '13 came in first in the 500 Free and stole second in the 200 Free, while Katherine Kelloway '14 won the 400 IM and managed third place in the 100 Free. As for the divers, Kristen Stearns ‘13 won the 1-meter and placed second in the 3-meter, while teammate Krista Pelton '14 came in third in both contests. Despite these efforts and many others, Skidmore placed third overall in the Invitational. William Smith won the meet with an impressive score of 271, followed by Vassar and then Skidmore.
Thoroughbred Society
This week began by honoring 106 student athletes who have shown their committent to excellence on and off the playing field. Students were recognized for maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.67 or higher, or for helping their team to sustain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Among the recipients of this honor, there were four two-sport athletes and 9 other student-athletes who achieved academic perfection in addition to their significant athletic obligations. Our hats are off to each and every one of these talented and driven individuals.