The Skidmore Field Hockey team has been playing in top form over the past month, culminating in the number 2 seed in the upcoming Liberty League playoffs. The Thoroughbreds have played at an exceptional rate this season, with a 13-5 record entering their final game of the regular season, which is a non-league match. Their 6-1 conference record surpasses their conference records for the past three years. 2 of those 3 years, the team went on to win the Liberty League championship.
The team’s largest string of victories was a five-game stretch lasting 8 days in October, which featured 3 league wins throughout. After the 5th and final win of the streak, senior midfielder/forward Seeley Fancher attributed the team’s success to team chemistry. “The key to our team's success has been challenging each other during practices and demanding the best from each individual teammate, but also from the team, as playing connected has been a key focal point. Overall, our team chemistry allows us to play intense, smart, and connected.” These key parts of their play are important with difficult playoff matches in the future. “Over the past few games, we have really grown and come together as a team,” says Fancher. “Our hard work in practices and games alike has contributed to many different aspects of our play falling into place.”
The Thoroughbreds held off a difficult William Smith opponent last Sunday to clinch the 2 seed. The game, which ended 1-0, saw the Thoroughbreds outshot 14-4, and facing a 10-2 deficit in penalty corner opportunities. The victory certainly emphasized the Thoroughbreds’ defensive strength; the team has held opponents to 22 goals over the course of the entire season thus far, while scoring 48 of their own. The lone goal of the game was scored by junior forward Gabby Hyman, who capitalized on a one-on-one opportunity against the William Smith goalie. Junior goalie Elizabeth Coughlin won Liberty League Defensive Player of the Week for her efforts against William Smith over the past week, including against Rochester, where she shut both teams out during regular and overtime play.
After beating non-league opponent Utica 4-2 on Wednesday, the Thoroughbreds end their season with an away game at SUNY Cortland on Saturday. The Liberty League playoffs are scheduled to start on November 1st, where Skidmore will take on Vassar at home.
photo courtesy of the Skidmore Athletics website