MIDDLEBURY, Vermont – In a battle between teams ranked nationally, #15 Middlebury handed #10 Skidmore a 3-1 defeat on Kohn Field in Vermont.

Skidmore is off until October 9th when they entertain St. Lawrence.

The game featured great scoring chances for both teams throughout, with the Panthers scoring twice in the final seven minutes to earn the win. Skidmore had some great chances in the first half, but were unable to convert. Elise Britt broke towards the goal with some room on a pair of occasions, but saw her shot attempts denied by Panther defenders.

Middlebury took a 1-0 lead 32:25 into the game when Sally Ryan centered a quick pass from the right side to Lauren Greer, who deflected the pass into the back of the cage.

Skidmore tied the game just 4:28 into the second half, with a tally from Jackie Slocombe, her first of the season. A shot from Annie Rosencrans was saved by Middlebury keeper Becca Shaw, before the ball bounced off a pair of sticks to Slocombe, who tied the game at 1-1.

The Thoroughbreds kept the pressure coming with several quality scoring opportunities over the next 20 minutes of play, but Shaw and the Panther defense held, keeping the game in a 1-1 tie.

Charlotte Gardiner earned the first of her career for Middlebury at 63:06, scoring on a rebound after a shot from Greer was saved. The Panthers added an insurance goal 1:49 later, as Greer converted a nice centering feed from Ryan for the second time on the afternoon.

Middlebury held a slim 11-10 shots advantage in the game, as well as an 8-7 lead in penalty corners. Shaw made five saves to pick up the win, while Liz Cantinella made two stops for Skidmore.

Skidmore (7-2) vs. Middlebury (3-2) - Date: Sep 29, 2009
Goals by period 1 2 Tot
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Skidmore............ 0 1 - 1
Middlebury.......... 1 2 - 3

SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 32:25 MIDFH Lauren Greer (Sally Ryan)
2. 39:28 SKIDMORE Jackie Slocombe (unassisted)
3. 63:06 MIDFH Charlotte Gardiner (Lauren Greer)
4. 64:55 MIDFH Lauren Greer (Sally Ryan)

Shots: Skidmore 10, Middlebury 11 - Saves: Skidmore 2 (Liz Catinella 2), Middlebury 5 (Becca Shaw 5)