Box Score

Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-- The 9th ranked Skidmore College field hockey team moved a step closer to a second straight Liberty League championship with a 5-0 win over Union College in the Liberty semifinals, Wednesday at Thoroughbred Field.

The Thoroughbreds have won eight straight to move to 15-3. Skidmore will host Hamilton College, a 1-0 winner over St. Lawrence at 1 p.m. Saturday. Union ends its season with a 10-8 record.

The win was also the 200th for Skidmore coach Beth Hallenbeck. Her overall record is 200-111-1, including a 130-44 mark in nine seasons for the Thoroughbreds.

Another quick start put the Thoroughbreds in control early. Katie Potter (Rumson, N.J.) scored 3:06 into the game from Jackie Slocombe (Amherst, Mass.). Elise Britt (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) made it 2-0 from Potter at 20:16. Union had its best first-half opportunity two minutes later with consecutive penalty corners, but the lone shot by Tyler Willey (Princeton, N.J.) went wide to leave it 2-0 at the half.

Skidmore, ranked ninth nationally in offense, has outscored opponents 42-4 in first half play this season.

In the second half, Brittany O'Brien (Ridgefield, Conn.) made it 3-0 from Lauren McCarthy (Ipswich, Mass.) two minutes into the period. Christine Kemp (Putnam Valley, N.Y.) converted a penalty stroke at 43:19 to increase the lead to 4-0 and Lauren Tobias (New City, N.Y.) scored her first goal of the season off a perfect cross from Potter at 51:54.

"The Thoroughbreds were in control from the start today," said Skidmore coach Beth Hallenbeck. "They were focused and ready for the game and it showed in their play. We controlled the midfield with Lauren McCarthy and Katie Potter having exceptional games. Lauren Tobias contributed the 5th goal on a terrific one-time deflection. The skill, speed, intensity and depth of the team were evident today, with everyone contributing."

Skidmore goalie Liz Catinella (Sudbury, Mass.) had five saves, including consecutive stops on a pair of tough shots by Isabel Zellweger (Rye, N.Y.) and Lauren Winchell (Glens Falls, N.Y.) in the 47th minute. Sarah Rios (Queensbury, N.Y.) had seven saves for Union.

The Thoroughbreds outshot Union 21-10 and had a 16-10 penalty corner advantage.

Field Hockey Game Summary (Final)
2009 Skidmore College Field Hockey
UNION vs #9 Skidmore (Nov 04, 2009 at Saratoga Springs, NY)

UNION (10-8) vs. Skidmore (15-3)
Date: Nov 04, 2009 Attendance: 124
Weather: Cool, clear, 47 at start

Goals by period 1 2 Tot
-------------------------------
UNION............... 0 0 - 0
Skidmore............ 2 3 - 5

SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 3:06 SKIDMORE Katie Potter (5) (Jackie Slocombe)
2. 20:16 SKIDMORE Elise Britt (18) (Katie Potter)
3. 37:26 SKIDMORE Brittany O'Brien (13) (Lauren McCarthy)
4. 43:19 SKIDMORE Christine Kemp (18) Penalty stroke
5. 51:54 SKIDMORE Lauren Tobias (1) (Katie Potter)

Shots: UNION 10, Skidmore 21
Saves: UNION 7 (Sarah Rios 7), Skidmore 5 (Liz Catinella 5)
Liberty League semifinal