#5 Skidmore downs Utica, 3-1

Box Score

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – The 5^th-ranked Skidmore College field hockey team won its 25^th consecutive home game, defeating Utica 3-1 on Wednesday afternoon.

The Thoroughbreds improve to 11-1, while the Pioneers fall to 8-5.

Annie Rosencrans got the scoring started for Skidmore, taking a pass from Caylyn Sullivan on the wing and sending it home at the 7:13 mark. The Thoroughbreds controlled the game offensively through most of the first half but in the 31^st minute, Utica's Mallory Mariano lifted a shot that appeared to be going in before Hilary Cranston made a defensive save on the goal line to help take a 1-0 lead into the half.

Skidmore made it 2-0 at the 40:29 mark on Kelly Blackhurst's 14^th goal of the season. Sullivan sent a pass to Blackhurst in the circle that she corralled and beat Utica goalie Monica Storms. Sam Skott pushed the lead to three goals at the 52:36 mark, redirecting a shot from Rosencrans for her fourth goal of the season.

Louise Steele-Norton was able to get the Pioneers on the board late in the second half, deflecting home a pass from Rebecca Corsones, but that would cap the game scoring, giving the Thoroughbreds the 3-1 victory.

Haley McDougall finished with two saves to improve to pick up her 10^th win of the season, while Storms finished with six stops for Utica.

"Caylyn Sullivan put in an inspired performance at center mid to lead the Thoroughbreds to victory" coach Beth Hallenbeck said. "Caylyn had been battling fever and sickness for several days and toughed it out today, pitching in two critical assists in the game. Hilary Cranston's defensive save was defintiely a game changerand propelled Skidmore to the win."

Skidmore outshot the Pioneers, 21-4 and held a 14-4 advantage in penalty corners.

The Thoroughbreds host Wheaton on Sunday at 1 p.m.

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