Box Score

Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-- Defending Liberty League field hockey champion Skidmore College won its fifth straight, 5-0 over Vassar College, Friday at Thoroughbred Field.

The 11th ranked Thoroughbreds are 6-1 overall and 2-0 in Liberty League play, while the Vassar falls to 2-7 and 0-1.

Skidmore used a balanced attack with five different players scoring. The high-powered Thoroughbred offense has scored 15 goals in its last three games and is averaging 4.43 goals per game.

Freshman Ceilidh MacNeill (Framingham, Mass.) deflected a ball past Vassar goalie Rachel Clarkin-Breslin (Litchfield, Conn.) at 18:04 for Skidmore's first goal. Sophomore Brittany O'Brien (Ridgefield, Conn.) sent a perfect pass along the end line to junior Christine Kemp (Putnam Valley, N.Y.) who made it 2-0 with her fifth goal of the season at 26:25. Kemp then set-up senior Elise Britt (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) for her team-high ninth goal at 29:52 to give the Thoroughbreds a 3-0 lead at the half.

Junior Lauren McCarthy (Ipswich, Mass.) scored 46 seconds into the second half and sophomore Caylyn Sullivan (Dedham, Mass.) scored her first goal at 51:06 for the 5-0 final.

"Today's game was a team effort with everyone seeing action," said Skidmore coach Beth Hallenbeck. "Ceilidh MacNeill and Caylyn Sullivan played integral parts in the offense, chipping in a goal apiece. Christine Kemp continues to set up numerous offensive chances for the Tbreds.

"Lauren McCarthy dominated in the midfield and added a powerful goal from the top of the circle. Junior defender Claire Superak held the backfield steady and helped to secure the shutout."

Skidmore had a 23-7 shot advantage and a 10-7 edge in corners.

Liz Catinella (Sudbury, Mass.) had five saves in 66:33 for the win. Clarkin-Breslin had four saves in the first half, while Rachel Horwitz (Beverly Hills, Calif.) had two saves in the second half for the Brewers.  Vassar recorded four defensive saves.

Skidmore continues its Liberty League home weekend at 2 p.m. Saturday against RPI, Vassar travels to Union College.

Field Hockey Game Summary (Final)
2009 Skidmore College Field Hockey
VASSAR vs #11 Skidmore (Sep 25, 2009 at Saratoga Springs, NY)

VASSAR (2-7, 0-1) vs. Skidmore (6-1, 2-0)
Date: Sep 25, 2009 Attendance: 75
Weather: Clear,windy, 65 at start

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

SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 18:04 SKIDMORE Ceilidh MacNeill (2) (unassisted)
2. 26:25 SKIDMORE Christine Kemp (5) (Brittany O'Brien)
3. 29:52 SKIDMORE Elise Britt (9) (Christine Kemp)
4. 35:46 SKIDMORE Lauren McCarthy (unassisted)
5. 51:06 SKIDMORE Caylyn Sullivan (unassisted)

Shots: VASSAR 7, Skidmore 23
Saves: VASSAR 6 (R. Clarkin-Breslin 4; Rachel Horwitz 2), Skidmore 5
(Liz Catinella 5)