Box Score

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – The Skidmore College field hockey team fell just short in the first round of the NCAA Division III tournament, losing 3-2 to Eastern University Wednesday at Thoroughbred Field. 

The Thoroughbreds end an outstanding season at 15-4 that included the team's first Liberty League Championship since 2003.  The Eagles (15-6) move on to face Messiah College at Messiah on Nov. 15th in the NCAA second round. 

Skidmore sophomore Christine Kemp (Putnam Valley, N.Y.) started the scoring at 6:23 when she tipped a ball in mid-air into the net off of a pass from sophomore Julia Sarni (Concord, Mass.) for a 1-0 Thoroughbred advantage.

Eastern answered right back 1:42 later to even the score.  After a scramble in front of the net, freshman Yvonne Herbster (Middleburg, Pa.) belted a shot past Thoroughbred keeper Liz Catinella (Sudbury, Mass.) that hit the top part of the net at 8:05.

The Eagles then took a 2-1 lead early in the second half when senior Kim Campbell (Malvern, Pa.) handled a ball off of a corner and gave it to junior Lindsay Moyer (Telford, Pa.) who converted for her team-leading 17th goal of the season at 38:23.

Eastern junior Olivia Derr (Myerstown, Pa.) found junior Elya Troup (Richfield, Pa.) for the Eagles' third unanswered goal at 63:51 for a 3-1 visitor lead.

Skidmore continued to put on the pressure late in the game as junior Elise Britt (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) lessened the lead to one with 6:37 left to play off of an assist from Kemp. 

“We played with a lot of heart today and we showed the skill and speed we've had all season,” said Skidmore head coach Beth Hallenbeck. “We just didn't capitalize on some of our opportunities.”

Despite outshooting the Eastern 22-9, the Thoroughbreds were denied another goal by Eagle sophomore goalie Laura Ressler (Media, Pa.) who had an impressive day in the net, recording 16 saves for the win.  Catinella finished with five saves.

“I'm very proud of our players for our season.  We are a young team, but we have so much talent and experience that I think that the best is yet to come,” said Hallenbeck.


                      
#19 Eastern University vs #15 Skidmore College (Nov 12, 2008 at Saratoga Springs, NY)

 Eastern University (15-6) vs. Skidmore College (15-4)
 Date: Nov 12, 2008  Attendance: 140
 Weather: Cool, Dry,45 degrees at start

 Goals by period       1  2  Tot
 -------------------------------
 Eastern University..  1  2 -  3
 Skidmore College....  1  1 -  2
 
 SCORING SUMMARY:
  1.   6:23 SKIDMORE Christine Kemp (18) (Julia Sarni)
  2.   8:05 EU Yvonne Herbster (10) (unassisted)
  3.  38:23 EU Lindsay Moyer (17) (Kimberly Campbell)
  4.  63:51 EU Elya Troup (4) (Olivia Derr)
  5.  68:23 SKIDMORE Elise Britt (14) (Christine Kemp)

 Shots: Eastern University 9, Skidmore College 22
 Saves: Eastern University 16 (Laura Ressler 16), Skidmore College 5
 (Liz Catinella 5)