Box Score

Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-- The 11th ranked Skidmore College field hockey team set the tone early on the way to a 4-1 win over 18th ranked Hamilton College in Liberty League action on Saturday.

The Thoroughbreds move into a three-way tie for first in the Liberty League with a 4-1 league and 8-2 overall record. The Continentals drop their first league contest to fall to 4-1 and 6-3 overall.

Elise Britt (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) gave Skidmore an early lead when she scored her team-high 12th goal of the season 2:30 into the game off a scramble in front of Hamilton goalie Courtney DeMaria. Christine Kemp (Putnam Valley, N.Y.) made it 2-0 with a blast from 15 yards out for her 10th goal. Brittany O'Brien (Ridgefield, Conn.) extended the team's lead to 3-0 when she took a Lauren McCarthy (Ipswich, Mass) pass and sent it through several defenders.

Through 12 games, Skidmore has outscored opponents 27-3 in the first half.

The Continentals regrouped in the second half, challenging the Skidmore defense with several chances and then scoring off a corner at 54:06. Mary Lancaster's (Monkton, Md.) shot was deflected in by a Thoroughbred defender for Hamilton's lone goal.

Skidmore responded to the goal less than three minutes later when Molly Gile (Dover, N.H.) scored her first collegiate goal from Katie Potter (Rumson, N.J.) at 56:49 for the 4-1 final.

"The team played with heart and intensity today and put the Continentals away early," said Thoroughbred coach Beth Hallenbeck.  "The pressure was on after yesterday's loss to St. Lawrence, and the Tbreds responded with a solid victory.  Elise Britt and Christine Kemp led a balanced attack, and Liz Catinella played another strong game in goal."

Liz Catinella (Sudbury, Mass.) had four saves for the Thoroughbreds to improve to 8-3 on the season. DeMaria finished with seven saves for Hamilton.

Skidmore had a 17-12 shot and 13-9 corner advantage.

The Thoroughbreds return to action Oct. 14 for a non-league game at Castleton.
Field Hockey Game Summary (Final)
2009 Skidmore College Field Hockey
#18 Hamilton vs #11 Skidmore (Oct 10, 2009 at Saratoga Springs, NY)
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Hamilton (6-3, 4-1 Liberty) vs. Skidmore (8-3, 4-1 Liberty)
Date: Oct 10, 2009 Attendance: 175
Weather: Windy, 62 at start

Goals by period 1 2 Tot
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Hamilton............ 0 1 - 1
Skidmore............ 3 1 - 4

SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 2:30 SKIDMORE Elise Britt (12) (unassisted)
2. 21:45 SKIDMORE Christine Kemp (10) (unassisted)
3. 26:50 SKIDMORE Brittany O'Brien (6) (Lauren McCarthy)
4. 54:06 HAMILTON Mary Lancaster (4) (Colleen Callaghan)
5. 56:49 SKIDMORE Molly Gile (1) (Katie Potter)

Shots: Hamilton 12, Skidmore 17
Saves: Hamilton 7 (Courtney DeMaria 7), Skidmore 4 (Liz Catinella 4)