Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – The Skidmore College field hockey team won its fourth consecutive Liberty League Championship, defeating William Smith in a thrilling 2-1 game, Saturday afternoon at Thoroughbred Field.
-ranked Thoroughbreds improve to 18-1 and clinch a spot in the 2011 NCAA Tournament, earning their fifth consecutive appearance and extending their home winning streak to 29 games. The 13
The teams battled back and forth through the first 20 minutes, but Liberty League Player of the Year
Kelly Blackhurst broke the scoreless tie at the 24:38 mark. Blackhurst took a pass from
Molly Gile in the center of the circle and beat William Smith goalie Taryn Little for her 25
th goal of the season.
After holding a 1-0 lead at the half, Skidmore made it a 2-0 game at the 44:05 mark when
Lauren Tobias took a pass from Blackhurst and put it home for her 15
th of the season.
The Herons battled back late in the second half and made it a one-goal game at the 58:22 mark. Annie Kietzman picked up a loose ball in front of the goal and found Melanie O'Connor who converted for her fifth goal of the season, making it a 2-1 game.
William Smith continued to put on pressure late in the game and received a penalty corner with no time remaining for a chance to send it to overtime, but Kiersten Hamilton's shot from the top of the circle went wide and the Thoroughbreds hung on for a 2-1 victory.
Tournament MVP
Haley McDougall finished with eight saves, including five in the second half for Skidmore. Little allowed two goals on five shots, playing the first 44:05, before Catherine Hare closed out the game, stopping two shots in 25:55.
The Herons held a slight 12-11 advantage in shots and both teams finished with six corners.
Joining McDougall on the All-Tournament team was Blackhurst,
Ceilidh MacNeill,
Caylyn Sullivan,
Jackie Slocombe,
Annie Weis and Jess Dankner from Skidmore. For William Smith, O'Connor, Kietzman, Sarah Tompson and Taylor Cappello were selected.
The NCAA Tournament bracket will be released on Monday. It will be the 11
th appearance for the Thoroughbreds.
Field Hockey Game Summary (Final)
2011 Skidmore College Field Hockey
#13 William Smith vs #5 Skidmore College (Nov 05, 2011 at Saratoga Springs, NY)
William Smith (15-4) vs. Skidmore College (18-1)
Date: Nov 05, 2011 Attendance: 300
Weather: 45 degrees, sunny at start
Goals by period 1 2 Tot
-------------------------------
William Smith....... 0 1 - 1
Skidmore College.... 1 1 - 2
SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 24:38 SKIDMORE
Kelly Blackhurst (25) (
Molly Gile) - Centering pass from wing off corner
2. 44:05 SKIDMORE
Lauren Tobias (15) (
Kelly Blackhurst) - Centering pass in circle
3. 58:22 WSC Melanie O'Connor (5) (Annie Kietzman) - Loose ball in front of goal
Shots: William Smith 12, Skidmore College 11
Saves: William Smith 6 (Catherine Hare 2; Taryn Little 3; TEAM 1), Skidmore College 8 (
Haley McDougall 8)
Skidmore wins the 2011 Liberty League Championship
