Men's Basketball remains unbeaten

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Skidmore College men's basketball team ran its record to 3-0 with a 62-52 non-league win over SUNY Oneonta, Nov. 30, at the Williamson Sports Center.

The Thoroughbreds never trailed and led by as many as 20 points in the second half.

Brian Lowry '12 scored a game-high 15 points to go along with eight rebounds for Skidmore. Gerard O'Shea '12 contributed 13 points and three assists.

For Oneonta (1-3), Kevin Donahue had 14 points and Lukas Slivinsky scored 13. Frankie Kelly had nine assists and three steals.

The Thoroughbreds ran out to an 8-0 lead on a field goal by Terron Victoria '12 and three-pointers from O'Shea and Melvis Langyintuo '12. The Red Dragons eventually slowed Skidmore down and battled back to tie it 10-10 with 9:03 left in the half. The Thoroughbreds responded with a 19-5 run to open the lead to 29-15 with 2:45 to play in the half. Skidmore's bench came through in the run with 13 of the 19 points scored by non-starters, including a pair of threes by John Mantas '12. Oneonta used two late baskets to cut the lead to nine, 29-20 at the half.

In the second half, Skidmore patiently extended the lead to 20 points to go up 57-37 with 6:10 to play. The Red Dragons used a 12-0 run to pull to within eight, 57-49, but that was as close as they would get. Donahue had seven of his team's 10 points in the late rally.

Mantas finished with nine points and three steals, while Langyintuo had six points, four blocks and seven rebounds.

Skidmore hits the road for the first time this season, traveling to William Paterson University for a 3 p.m. game Dec. 3.

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Thoroughbred Basketball downs Southern Vermont more easily than last year

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Skidmore College men's basketball team used a balanced attack to cruise to a 91-57 victory over Southern Vermont on Tuesday night, Nov. 22.

The Thoroughbreds improve to 2-0, while the Mountaineers fall to 0-3. The game was a rematch of Skidmore's 128-123 win last season in an NCAA record seven overtimes.

The teams traded baskets early and with 10:46 remaining in the first half, Southern Vermont took an 18-17 lead on a three pointer from Travis Severs. That would be the last lead the Mountaineers would have as the Thoroughbreds closed out the half with a 28-12 run. Eight different players scored for Skidmore during the run, giving them a 45-29 lead at the half.

The second half was much of the same for the Thoroughbreds, outscoring Southern Vermont 26-7 over the first nine minutes of the half. Skidmore had its largest lead of the night with 5:09 remaining as Brian Moore '14 hit one of his three three-pointers for a 37 point advantage at 82-45. The Mountaineers weren't able to get closer than within 29 over the final five minutes as the Thoroughbreds earned the 91-57 win.

Terron Victoria '12 led a balanced Skidmore attack with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists. Brian Lowry '12 added 13 points, while Melvis Langyintuo '12 tallied 11 and Raoul Oloa '12 poured in 10 off the bench. Gerard O'Shea '12 finished with nine points, six assists, five rebounds and four steals.

Avery Mitchell led all scorers with 19 points for Southern Vermont, while Taeshon Johnson posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Jordan Santiago added 10.

Skidmore forced 20 Mountaineer turnovers, while committing just three, and had 25 assists on 35 made shots. The Thoroughbred bench outscored Southern Vermont's bench 38-9.

Skidmore returns to action at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 30, when they host Oneonta St. for tip-off. 

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Hamilton downs Skidmore Hockey

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Anthony Scarpino scored the game-winner off a faceoff at 18:46 of the third period to lead the Hamilton College hockey team to a 4-3 win over Skidmore College in the Skidmore Invitational Tournament championship game, Sunday at the Saratoga Springs City Rink.

In the penalty-filled consolation game, SUNY Brockport scored five times in the third period for a 7-3 win over Nichols College.

The championship game featured four lead changes with neither team leading by more than a goal.

Aaron Beck '14 opened the scoring for the Thoroughbreds (3-5) at 4:48 of the first from Tony Giacin '14 and Tim Colvin '15. The Continentals (2-1-1) tied it at 10:19 when Bryan Kelly scored from Brian Infante and Andrew Jelinek. Skidmore took a 2-1 lead into the locker room when Brendan Cottom '13 scored a power-play goal at 12:17 from Nick Dupuis '12 and Zach Menard '13.

Hamilton scored the lone second period goal when Pat Curtis connected from Michael DiMare and Scarpino at 8:53 to tie it 2-2.

The teams traded unsuccessful chances in the third until Bryan Kelly's power-play shot from the point gave Hamilton its first lead of the game, 3-2, at 14:52 from DiMare and Curtis.

The Continentals were called for a hit from behind major at 15:21 and Skidmore took advantage when Dupuis collected a rebound and fired it home to tie it 3-3 at 16:02 from Colvin and Julian Malakorn '13.

A Thoroughbred penalty at 18:44 led to a faceoff in Skidmore's defensive end that DiMare won, sending the puck to Scarpino who one-timed it for the game winner at 18:46.

Skidmore had a 24-21 shot advantage. Colin Bessey '12 had 17 saves for the Thoroughbreds, while Joe Quattrocchi stopped 21 shots for the Continentals.

DiMare earned tournament MVP honors and was joined by Quattrocchi on the all-tournament team. Representing Skidmore were Giacin and Alex Essaris '12. Brockport's James Cody and Louie Educate of Nichols were also selected to the team.

In the consolation game, Brockport (2-6-2) and Nichols (1-5-1) combined for 96 minutes in penalties.

After a scoreless first period, the Bison grabbed a 2-0 on a pair of second-period goals by Educate. Brockport tied it on a power-play goal by Cody at 16:30 and a tally by Troy Polino at 17:30.

Cody gave the Golden Eagles a 3-2 lead with a short-handed goal at 2:08 of the third. Steve Sachman extended the lead to 4-2 with a power-play goal at 7:27. Nichols stayed close when Andrew Ella scored his first of the season at 10:00 to cut it to 4-3. 

Brockport opened it up with three goals in the final 2:10 for the 7-3 win. Cody scored his hat trick at 17:50, followed by a Polino goal at 18:33 and Colby Spooner's first of the season at 19:21.

The Golden Eagles had a commanding 37-21 shot advantage. Jacob Rinn had 30 saves for Nichols, while Aaron Green stopped 18 shots for Brockport. 

Skidmore dominates Nichols

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Tony Giacin '14 scored a career-high four goals to lead the Skidmore College hockey team to an 8-2 win over Nichols College in the first round of the Skidmore Invitational Tournament, Saturday, Nov. 26 at the Saratoga Springs City Rink.

In the first game, Skidmore took a 3-1 first period lead on goals by Julian Malakorn '13, David Limoges '15 and Erik Nilsson '15. Brett Jackson had the lone Nichols goal.

Giacin started a four-goal Skidmore second period with his first goal of the game at 1:34 for a 4-1 Thoroughbred lead. He made it 5-1 at 6:31. J [?]oe Sposit tallied a power-play goal for Nichols at 9:44, but that would be it for the Bison offense. Giacin rang-up his hat trick at 12:39. Tyler Doremus '12 made it 7-2 at 13:43.

Giacin's fourth goal was a power-play tally at 15:31 of the third. It was his team-high seventh of the season.

Alex Essaris '14 had three assists for Skidmore.

Skidmore outshot Nichols, 44-25. Colin Bessey '12 had 18 saves in the first 45:11 for the win, while John Bienkowski '12 stopped all five shots he saw over the final 14:49. Bison goalie Ryan Casey had 36 saves.

The second game featured a wild finish with five third-period goals, including each team scoring in the final two minutes to force the OT.

Hamilton led 2-0 after the first on a short-handed goal by Bryan Kelly at 11:21 and an unassisted goal by Michael DiMare at 15:50.

Brockport tied it with the first two goals of the second period. Nick Panepinto scored at 3:26 and Adam Shoff evened the score, 2-2, at 12:31. The Continentals took a 3-2 lead into the break when DiMare scored his second of the game with both teams down a man at 15:06.

In the third, Panepinto tied it for the Golden Eagles with his second of the team, a power-play goal at 8:04. Hamilton went back ahead, 4-3, when Anthony Scarpino scored his first of the season, a power-play goal at 9:12. Brockport battled back to tie it 4-4 on a James Cody power-play goal at 14:48.

Scarpino scored what looked like the game-winner for Hamilton at 18:00 when Pat Curtis forced a turnover at the blue line, sending Scarpinio in on a breakaway for his second goal of the game to make it 5-4. Down a man, the Golden Eagles pulled goalie Joe Reagan and the gamble paid off when Shoff scored his second of the game, a short-handed goal at 18:50.

Both teams had opportunities in the extra period, but Reagan and Hamilton goalie Cam Gibbar each stopped two shots to preserve the tie. 

In the shootout, DiMare and Andrew Jelinek scored for the Continentals, while Gibbar stopped a Brockport shot and forced another wide.

Gibbar finished with 26 saves, while Reagan had 28. 

Skidmore Swimming downs Utica

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

UTICA — The Skidmore College men's and women's swimming & diving teams swept Utica, Saturday afternoon at the Utica College Pool of Champions.

The women earned a 168-106 victory, while the men won 179-82.

The Thoroughbreds got off to a strong start with women going 1-2 in the 200 Medley Relay. The team of Katherine Kelloway '14, Carrie Koch '13, Sarah Shaw '14 and Catherine King '15 went 2:02. 31, while Lauren Schilling '14, Mary Collins '15, Katie Kuklewicz '15 and Elaine Burns '12 went 2:07.32. The men's team also won the 200 MR with Jesse Adlier '13, Robert Fulton '15, Andrew Becker '13 and Logan Jones '15 swimming at 1:45.44.

The swimmers touched first in 28 of 28 races. Koch won the 1000 Free (11:34.14), while Nick Sauerbrunn '15 and Greg Amoresano '13 (11:23.31) went 1-2. Koch (1:15.58) and Sauerbrunn (1:06.24) also won the 100 Breast, with Sauerbrunn adding a win in the 200 Breast (2:32.77) as well.

Also winning three individual events was Shaw who won the 100 Back (1:08.18), 500 Free (5:41.85) and 200 IM (2;28.76). Double event winners were: Peter Quattromani '14 won the 200 (1:57.21) and 500 Free (5:15.89), Kelloway won the 100 and 200 Butterfly (1:03.10 and 2:21.84), Becker won the 200 Back (2:17.50) and 200 IM (2:16.05) and Jones won the 50 Free (23.06) and 100 Free (52.05)

Other event winners included King in the 200 Free (2:04.93), Tim Brosdky '14 won the 100 Back (1:01.17), Sam Leibenhaut '12 won the 200 Butterfly (2:15.15), Collins won the 200 Breast (2:53.54), Burns won the 50 Free, Emily Pryzsinda '15 won the 100 Free (1:00.95), Schilling won the 200 Back (2:30.74) and Adler won the 100 Butterfly (56.31).

Doug Pilawa '12 won both 1 Meter rounds of diving for a total score of 500.10, a new college record for 11 dives and an NCAA qualifying score. His 6-dive score of 300.30 was also an NCAA qualifying score and he also took first in the 3 Meter. Kristin Stearns '13 won the 6-dive 1 Meter diving event with a 209.15.

Skidmore returns to action on Friday, Dec. 2 for the Liberty League Championships at RPI.

Babson downs Skidmore Hockey

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Babson College took a 3-0 lead and then held off a late Skidmore rally for a 4-2 ECAC East men's hockey win Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Saratoga Springs City Rink.

The Thoroughbreds are 2-4 overall and in ECAC East play. The Beavers even their record at 2-2 overall and in the East.

Ryan Smith set the tone early for Babson with his first goal of the season at 2:10 of the first on a breakaway from Shayne Anderson. Trevor Hines made it 2-0 with his first of the year from Mike Hoban and Matt Furey at 8:18. Beaver goalie Zeke Testa had 15 of his 35 saves in the first period to keep Skidmore off the board.

Babson got another quick start in the second, when Jay Haseley tallied his third of the season just 37 seconds in from Matt O'Neill and Andrew Bonazza. The Thoroughbreds battled back on a power-play goal by Vlad Gavrik '14 from David Limoges '15 and Nick Dupuis '12 at 4:48. Tim Colvin '15 pulled Skidmore to within one, 3-2, when he connected for his second of the season at 16:42 from Tony Giacin '14 and Aaron Beck '14. The Thoroughbreds continued to pressure Babson for the rest of the period, but the Beavers were able to take the 3-2 lead into the break.

Skidmore was unable to solve Testa in the third period. The goalie stopped all nine shots he saw in the final stanza, including two on a late Thoroughbred power play. Babson got a short-handed empty-net goal from Mike Driscoll at 19:31 for the 4-2 final.

Skidmore out shot Babson 37-28. Colin Bessey '12 had 24 saves for the Thoroughbreds.

Next up for Skidmore is Nichols College at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, in the first round of the Skidmore Invitational. 

Hockey beats UMASS Boston

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Colin Bessey '12 had 30 saves to lead the Skidmore College hockey team to a 4-0 ECAC East win over UMASS Boston, Friday night at the Saratoga Springs City Rink.

The Thoroughbreds up their record to 2-3 overall and in conference play, while the Beacons fall to 1-3 and 0-3 in the ECAC East.

Skidmore set the tone early when Alex Radmin '13 beat UMB goalie Kevin Bendel glove side for his first goal of the season at 1:50 of the first. Alex Essaris '12 had the assist.

After a scoreless second, Tyler Doremus '12 scored a short-handed goal from Essaris and Brad Schuler '14 at 3:33 for a 2-0 lead. Zach Menard '13 made it 3-0 with a four-on-three power-play goal at 11:32 from Nick Dupuis '12 and Tim Colvin '15. David Limoges '15 fired one into the top corner for the 4-0 final from Dupuis at 16:08.

Bessey's toughest save when he stopped a two-on-one with 6:05 to play in the second. It was the second career shutout for the steady goalie, who had 12 of his 30 saves in the third period.

Bendel finished with 20 saves for UMB.

Skidmore wins invitational

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Tournament MVP Megan Gaugler '12 hit a record nine three-pointers to lead the Skidmore College women's basketball team to an 85-59 win over Utica College in the championship game of the Skidmore Invitational Tournament, Sunday, Nov. 20, at the Williamson Sports Center.

The record breaks the previous mark of seven set three different times, the latest in 2007 by Sharlyn Harper. Gaugler finished with 33 points. The team's 15 total three-pointers also set a new record, beating the 14 made in 2010 against Potsdam,

The Thoroughbreds (3-0) took charge from the start, outscoring the Pioneers (2-1) 29-9 over the game's first 7:37 and 57-25 for the half. Gaugler scored 21 of the run's 29 points. Utica had no answer for senior guard who was a perfect 5-5 from 3-point range and 8-9 from the floor during that opening stretch. Gaugler ended the half with 24 points and three steals.

Playing limited time in the second half, Gaugler finished 12-19 from the floor and 9-13 from beyond the arc. She also had six rebounds.

All 12 players dressed scored for Skidmore. Christina Gargiso '12 earned a spot on the all-tournament team with 13 points and four assists in 19 minutes. Jesse Kavana '12 was also on the all-tournament team with five assists in 18 minutes to go along with her 14 points and four steals in a first-round win over Ursinus.

Meghan Fiore and Katie McGee represented Utica on the all-tournament team. Fiore scored 20 points, while McGee added 12 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.

Lindsay Teuber of Ursinus was also selected to the all-tournament team.

Solid opener for Women's Basketball

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Megan Gaugler '12 had 22 points and 19 rebounds to lead the Skidmore College women's basketball team to a 68-37 win in its season opener against Sage, Tuesday night, Nov. 15.

It was the first game of the season for both teams.

After taking a 25-14 lead into the break, the Thoroughbreds heated up in the second half, shooting 16-of-33 (48.5 percent) from the floor and 7-of-16 (43.8 percent) from beyond the arc. Skidmore opened the half with a 15-2 run, highlighted by 10 points from Gaugler and never looked back. The Thoroughbreds led comfortably throughout the second half and capped the scoring late with a three-pointer from Christina Gargiso '12, giving Skidmore its largest lead of the game.

Gaugler added three steals and two blocks, while Gargiso was the only other player in double-digits with 18 points. Jordyn Wartts '14 chipped in with five points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals.

For Sage, Chelsea Martin had seven points to go with four rebounds and two blocks. Kara Hackett had six points and seven rebounds, while Carly Vallee and Nicole Lanteri each finished with six points and four rebounds.

The Thoroughbreds held a 55-36 advantage on the glass and went 9-of-14 at the free throw line compared to 2-of-4 for the

Gators.

Skidmore hosts the annual Skidmore Invitational this weekend, as they host Ursinus at 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18.

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Skidmore Men's Basketball win home opener

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Skidmore College men's basketball team jumped out to a 10-0 lead and never looked back on the way to a 77-42 win over Cobleskill in the season opener for both teams Tuesday night at the Williamson Sports Center.

Melvis Langyintuo '12 led a balanced Thoroughbred offense with 16 points in only 15 minutes. Skidmore had 12 players score in the contest. Langyintuo was 6-8 from the floor, including 2-3 from three-point range. Terron Victoria '12 hit for 10 points to go along with four steals. Gerard O'Shea '12 added six points, five assists and three steals, while Nanribet Yiljep '15 came off the bench to score seven points and pull down four rebounds in his first collegiate game.

Jessie Allen scored 13 points off the bench as the lone Fighting Tiger in double figures.

The Thoroughbreds kept Cobleskill off the board until Brendan Davis hit a three with 15:29 to play to make it 10-3. That was a close as the Fighter Tigers would get in the contest, with the home team leading by as many as 23 in the first half.

Skidmore hit 12 threes in the contest, shooting 12-31 (.387) from beyond the arc. Cobleskill struggled from long range, going 4-20 (.200) from three-point range.

The Thoroughbreds return to action at home at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22, against Southern Vermont College.

St. Rose beats Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Skidmore College men's and women's swimming & diving teams hosted St. Rose, Saturday afternoon, Nov. 12, at the Williamson Sports Center.

Both teams suffered losses to the Division II school with the women suffering a 131-89 loss and the men falling 141-95.

Kristin Stearns '13 and Doug Pilawa '12 each won the 1-meter and 3-meter dives. Stearns set a new college record in the 1-meter six dive with a 235.30 and won the 3-meter with a score of 230.35. Pilawa remained unbeaten on the season, taking the 1-meter (311.10) and 3-meter (343.28) with NCAA qualifying scores.

For the women, Catherine King '15 was a double-winner; taking first in the 50 free (28.25) and 100 free (55.89). Sarah Shaw '14 earned second in the 1650 free (19:20.22), while Carrie Koch '13 was second in the 200 free (2:02.79) and Kathering Kelloway '14 came in second in the 400 IM (4:54.73). Katie Kuklewicz '15 and Elaine Burns '12 also had second place finishes as Kuklewicz took second in the 100 fly (1:08.85) and Burns in the 500 free (5:31.07).

On the men's side, Jesse Adler '13 had a pair of second place finishes in the 100 free (51.62) and 200 free (1:55.18). Peter Quattromani '14 took second in the 1650 free (18:19.47).

The teams return to action on Saturday, Nov. 19, at Utica.

Skidmore Athletics

Tragic loss for Skidmore Field Hockey

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Skidmore College field hockey team's season came to an end Saturday as Amherst defeated the Thoroughbreds 2-0 in the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament, after receiving a bye past the first round.

The Lord Jeffs improve to 15-3, advancing to the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the game on Saturday, Nov. 19, between Middlebury and Franklin & Marshall. Skidmore ends its season at 18-2.

The teams battled back and forth for the early part of the first half before Amherst broke through with the game's first goal at 19:15. Off a penalty corner, Katie McMahon sent an insert to Carly Dudzik who sent right back to McMahon at the near post for her 17th goal of the season and a 1-0 lead.

The Thoroughbred's best chance came at the end of the first half on a pair of corners with no time left. Skidmore got three shots on goal, but Amherst goalie Rachel Tannenbaum denied two of them and Stephanie Clegg came up with a defensive save on the other, preserving the 1-0 lead at the break.

In the second half, the Thoroughbreds came out aggressively but were unable to break through the tough Amherst defense. At the 49:08 mark, the Lord Jeffs made it a 2-0 game on Sarah McCarrick's seventh goal of the season. McCarrick took a pass from McMahon on a corner and blasted it from the wing to cap the scoring for the game.

Amherst outshot Skidmore 15-8 and held a 10-7 advantage in penalty corners.

Tannenbaum, who leads the nation with a .894 save percentage, finished with six saves for her eighth shutout of the season. Haley McDougall '15 had eight saves in net for Skidmore.

The loss snapped a 10-game overall and 29-game home win streak for the Thoroughbreds.

Skidmore Athletics

End of successful season for Volleyball

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

POTSDAM — Skidmore Volleyball saw its magic season come to a close this weekend after making it to the second round of NCAA's. After winning on Friday, Nov. 11, Skidmore lost to Middlebury on Saturday, Nov. 12.

Thanks to 27 kills from Kelley Vershbow '12, the Thoroughbreds rallied from a 2-0 deficit to claim a five-set victory over Rivier College, 20-25, 20-25, 25-10, 25-22, 15-9, in the opening round of the Division III NCAA New York Regional held at Clarkson University. However, Saturday's game did not have the same result.

With a strong attack coming from all angles, Middlebury College hit .297 in its NCAA New York Regional Semifinal match against Skidmore College, and swept the Thoroughbreds in three sets, 25-21, 25-16, 25-23, Saturday afternoon at Clarkson University's Alumni Gymnasium.

Middlebury improved to 23-8 overall and advanced to the NCAA New York Regional Final at 4 p.m. on Sunday against the winner of Cortland and Clarkson. Skidmore saw its 13-match win streak come to an end and concluded its season with a record of 28-9.

In the first set, the two teams essentially traded points through the first half of the game, with neither gaining much of a foothold for a significant advantage. Finally, Middlebury broke out late and took a three-point edge, 18-15, to force a Skidmore timeout. However, the Thoroughbreds could not complete a comeback and fell 25-21 in the first set.

The second set saw Middlebury at its most potent offensively, as the Panthers struck for 16 kills and only four errors in 31 swings (.387) including an impressive stretch from Megan Jarchow and Jane Handel that changed the shape of the set as the Panthers cruised to a nine-point win. A topsy-turvy third set made it appear as if the match would need to go beyond the minimum, but late in the set a block of Vershbow on the outside dropped to the floor and ended the match as Skidmore tried to push to extra points.

Megan Jarchow led Middlebury with 15 kills and just three errors in 28 swings, hitting .429. She was bested by Amy Hart, who had 13 kills in comparison, but hit .455 overall. Jane Handel was comparatively pedestrian, though she had 14 kills and only three errors in 34 attempts. Julia Gibbs delivered 38 assists and also added four block assists. Handel and Caitlin Barrett each had 10 digs for the Panthers. Middlebury had 10 total blocks in the game, led by Madeline Firestone, who had five block assists, and Elissa Goeke, who contributed one solo block and four assists.

For Skidmore, Vershbow led the team with nine kills, while middle hitter Corrine Palmer '14 struck for eight kills and added five total blocks. Mallory Mendelsohn '13 guided the offense with 29 assists and also added three block assists and seven digs. Sam Friedman '13 led the Thoroughbreds with 16 digs

Skidmore Athletics

Messiah beats Skidmore Women's Soccer in second round of NCAAs

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

GRANTHAM P.A. — The Skidmore College women's soccer team had its record-setting NCAA run end at the hands of No. 1 Messiah College, Sunday, Nov. 13, at Messiah, after beating MIT in penalty kicks in the first round on Saturday, Nov. 12.

On Saturday, when Rebecca Russo's '13 penalty kick offering hit the back of the net, her teammates rushed onto the field in celebration of the Thoroughbreds' NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Championships First Round victory.

The score, Skidmore's third in four attempts, propelled Skidmore into the Second Round via a shootout victory as MIT went 0-3 on their penalty kick attempts.

The win dropped MIT (14-3-4) out of the NCAA Championships.

After 110 minutes of soccer on Saturday, neither team held an advantage on the scoreboard. Skidmore (14-6) held a 20-15 edge in shots taken throughout the regulation and overtime periods, with MIT keeper Meghan Wright and Skidmore keeper Meghan Sleezer '12 making nine and eight saves, respectively. Each keeper made a save on her opponent's first shot in the shootout.

With the win, Skidmore moved on to face No.1 ranked Messiah in the second round the following day.

Messiah followed up a 10-0 win on Saturday to oust the Thoroughbreds 3-0. The Falcons outshot Skidmore 15-2 in Sunday's game. Skidmore, coming off its dramatic 0-0 tie and 3-0 win in penalty kicks against MIT from Saturday, ended the season 13-7-1.

In the 13th minute of play, Messiah got on the board courtesy of junior Rachel Scheibeler. Senior Jess Shirk attacked inside the left wing, cutting along the end line on the left side before firing a shot on Sleezer. Sleezer would collect a save, but could not hold possession as the rebound bounced high into the air in front of the goal. Scheibeler, crashing in from the right side, put her head onto the ball and past Sleezer's outstretched arms for the score.

The score would remain unchanged for much of the remainder of the first half, with Messiah working to break through the physical Skidmore defense.

In the 39th minute, Messiah took a 2-0 lead on a goal by freshman Lauren Federline. Senior Erin Hench, coming off a three-goal performance in Saturday's win for the Falcons, took the ball deep into the left side of the Skidmore box before finding classmate Leah Sipe in the middle of the box. With the defense collapsing around her, Sipe slotted the ball through to the right side for Federline and a quick strike past Sleezer.

The score gave the Falcons a 2-0 lead they would take into halftime.

Messiah's third and final goal would be scored just 15 minutes into the second half.

The win moves Messiah to 19-0-1 on the season, with their lone blemish being to No. 2 William Smith — the same William Smith that defeated Skidmore in the Liberty League Championship just eight days ago.

Skidmore Athletics

Tough loss for Skidmore Hockey

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

HENNIKER N.H. — New England College men's ice hockey would hold off a late Thoroughbred run topping visiting Skidmore College 5-4 in ECAC East action Saturday afternoon.

With the win the Pilgrims improve to 4-1-0 overall and 3-1-0 in ECAC East play. The loss drops the Thoroughbreds to 1-3-0 overall and in the ECAC East.

NEC would open the scoring just 2:18 into the opening period, as Matt Abbott would score his first goal of the season rebounding in a shot from defender Andre Stalberg. The two teams would battle through the remainder of the opening period scoreless as the Pilgrims would hold the 12-7 advantage in shots.

Skidmore would knot the game at 1-1 just 1:02 into the second period as Tony Giacin '14 would score assisted Aaron Beck '14. NEC would regain the lead just seconds later as Ed Dwyer put in a pass from Niko Uola 43 seconds later.

The Pilgrims closed out the period with three unanswered power-play goals, including one from Uola and another from Jacob Andersson, giving NEC the 5-1 lead heading into the final period.

Skidmore would not go down without a fight as the Thoroughbreds cut the lead to 5-2 four minutes into the third as Tim Colvin '15 recorded his first collegiate goal assisted by Nick Dupuis '12 and Vlad Gavrik '14. Skidmore would tack on two more goals late in the game, including a second goal from Giacin and a score by Eric Nilsson '15, as the Thoroughbreds would trail just 5-4 with 1:10 remaining in regulation.

Skidmore pulled its goalie late but the NEC defense closed out the game, keeping the Thoroughbreds off the board in the final minute to solidify the 5-4 victory.

Skidmore finished the game with the slight 40-34 advantage in shots.

Picking up the win in goal for NEC was Shawn Sirman who recorded 36 saves. In goal for Skidmore was Colin Bessey '12 who stopped 29 Pilgrim shots.

NEC returns to action on Friday, Nov. 18 when they travel to take on ECAC East rival Norwich University. Skidmore College will hit the ice on Friday, Nov. 18 when they host ECAC East opponent UMass-Boston.

Skidmore Athletics

St Anselm downs Skidmore Hockey

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

MANCHESTER N.H. — After allowing the game's first goal, St. Anselm scored three straight for a 3-1 ECAC East win over the Skidmore College Hockey team, Friday night, Nov 11.

The Thoroughbreds are 1-2, while the Hawks move to 2-1. Skidmore continues its road trip Saturday at New England College.

Following a scoreless first period, David Limoges '15 gave Skidmore a 1-0 lead from Vlad Gavrik '14 at 1:37 of the second. It was his team-leading third goal of the season.

That was it for the scoring for the Thoroughbreds. St. Anselm battled back to tie it at 4:15 of the second and then scored power-play goals at 18:08 of the second and 9:58 of the third for the 3-1 win.

Colin Bessey '12 had 30 saves for Skidmore. The Hawks had a 33-30 shot advantage. 

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Volleyball headed to NCAAs

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

The Skidmore College volleyball team received its seventh NCAA Division III tournament bid Monday morning.

The 27-8 Thoroughbreds will face Rivier College (22-13) in a 12:30 p.m. match on Friday, Nov 11 at Clarkson University. The winner will play the winner of the Middlebury (21-8) and Colby-Sawyer (20-14) on Saturday in the regional semifinal. The regional championship is Sunday.

The other half of the regional bracket has Cortland (39-1) playing Southern Vermont (30-2) and Nazareth (26-12) playing host Clarkson (28-8).

Skidmore received an at-large bid after beating Clarkson to win the Liberty League tournament.

Skidmore to host NCAA Field Hockey Regional

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

For the second straight year, the Skidmore College field hockey team will host one of four NCAA Division III Field Hockey regionals, Nov. 12-13 at Thoroughbred Field. Tickets are priced at $3 students and $5 general admission.

Skidmore (18-1) is seeded fourth in the 24-team event and will play the winner of Wednesday's first-round match-up of Gwynedd-Mercy (16-4) and Amherst (13-3) on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m. The other half of the Skidmore Regional features the winner of Franklin & Marshall (16-3) vs. Cortland (12-6) playing Middlebury (14-3) at 1 p.m. The regional championship is at 1 p.m. on Nov. 13.

Middlebury is the only team to defeat the Thoroughbreds this season.

Bowdoin is the defending NCAA Division III champion and the 2011 top seed. The Polar Bears will host a regional along with The College of New Jersey and Salisbury.

Skidmore will be playing in its fifth straight and 11th overall NCAA tournament. The Thoroughbreds advanced to the 2010 NCAA Final Four.

Women's Soccer headed to NCAAs

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

The Skidmore College women's soccer team is on it's way to the NCAA Division III Championships for the fifth time in program history and the third time in the past four years.

The Thoroughbreds (13-6) will travel to Messiah College in Grantham, Pa. to take on MIT (14-3) in the first round at a time to be announced on Saturday, Nov. 12. The winner of that game will play the winner of Messiah (17-0) and Elms (10-5) in the regional final at 5 p.m. on Nov. 13.

Skidmore received an at-large bid to the 64-team tournament after finishing second in the Liberty League.

Skidmore volleyball upsets Clarkson, wins Liberty League Championship

Posted by Skidmore Athletics

POTSDAM — Skidmore won the Liberty League Championship this weekend, beating St. Lawrence on Friday, Nov. 4, and top-seeded Clarkson on Saturday, Nov. 5. It was the program's fourth league championship and first since 2000.

On Friday, in the Liberty League Semifinals, Kelley Vershbow '12 struck for 20 kills and had just three errors in 44 swings to lead a Skidmore College attack that hit .417 overall as the second-seeded Thoroughbreds beat third-seed St. Lawrence in three straight sets, 25-14, 25-22, 25-21.

Skidmore's victory pushed the Thoroughbreds to 26-8 overall, while St. Lawrence dropped to 19-17 this year.

The Thoroughbreds came out strong, hitting .412 in the first set with 17 kills and not allowing the Saints to get much going offensively. In the final two sets, St. Lawrence took early leads and forced Skidmore to take timeouts to pull things together. Each time the Thoroughbreds changed pace to regain the lead, winning each by small margins.

Vershbow had 20 kills and seven digs, while Corrine Palmer '14 added 11 kills and four blocks for the Thoroughbreds. Elise Finnerty '14 had 10 kills and just one error in 15 swings (.600 hitting percentage) to help a Skidmore offense that had 50 kills overall and just seven errors. Mallory Mendelsohn '13 led the offense with 38 assists and also added in 10 digs. Sam Friedman '13 produced a team-best 11 digs and also had three aces.

For St. Lawrence, Nyasha Miller hit .382 for the match with 15 kills and just two errors in 34 swings, and Liz Grogan was nearly as good with 10 kills and three errors in 20 attempts. Anna Kassab had 35 assists for the Saints and Katie Prue led the team with nine digs.

The Skidmore College volleyball team beat top-seed Clarkson 3-2 (25-16, 25-23, 20-25, 20-25, 15-8) to win the Liberty League championship, Saturday.

The Thoroughbreds finish the regular season with a 27-8 record, winning their last 12 matches, including two over Clarkson (28-8), the region's top-ranked team.

Both teams will now await the NCAA Tournament committee to find out if they will be selected to participate in this year's championship tournament. The Liberty League does not have an automatic bid for its conference tournament until 2013.

Saturday's championship match was an odd one at times, as Clarkson came out with a solid advantage in the first set, 16-12. However, Elise Finnerty '14 was able to get a kill for Skidmore to pull the Thoroughbreds back within three, and then Mallory Mendelsohn '13 amazingly served out the set for a 25-16 victory as the Knights searched for answers at the break.

In the second set, Clarkson had a small advantage midway through the game, but Skidmore once again rallied to take a 25-23 victory off a block from Corrine Palmer '14 and Mendelsohn. However, Clarkson had found its rhythm on offense and started to take control, winning a pair of sets back-to-back by the score of 25-20, highlighted by a .432 hitting percentage in the fourth set (19-3-37). That momentum could not be carried into the fifth and deciding set, though, as Clarkson hit -.158 with eight errors.

For Skidmore, Kelley Vershbow '12 was selected as the tournament's MVP with 19 kills (and 39 total in the two-day event). Also making the All-Tournament team were Corrine Palmer '14, who had 15 kills against only a single error in 29 attempts to go along with five total blocks, and Mendelsohn, who produced 45 assists and four aces on Saturday. Finnerty also added 14 kills and four blocks for the Thoroughbreds. Sam Friedman '13 topped Skidmore with 16 digs.

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