Box Score Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – The Skidmore College field hockey team got off to a strong start with a 7-2 victory over Castleton in Friday's season opener at Thoroughbred Field.
 
It was the season opener for both teams.  Both teams return to action on Sunday as the 8^th-ranked Thoroughbreds host Babson at noon and the Spartans host Univ. of New England at 2 p.m.
 
Skidmore wasted no time getting the scoring started as junior Kelly Blackhurst deflected a Molly Gile pass past Heather Ploof of Castleton at the 3:37 mark to take the early lead.  The Thoroughbreds made it 2-0 on a Sam Skott goal at 27:40.  Anna Wahl assisted on the goal as they maintained the two goal lead at the half.
 
Blackhurst extended the lead with her second of the game on a breakaway at 37:14.  The Spartans answered back as Blake Wardell put home a rebound less than two minutes later to make it a 3-1 game.
 
Skidmore came right back as Skott and Blackhurst each tallied another goal to push the lead to 5-1.  Castleton cut the lead back to three after Kealy Chipman set up Rachel Preusser, but the Thoroughbreds added a pair of goals in the final 2:37 as Hilary Cranston and Dani DeGregory both tallied their first collegiate goals and Skidmore went on to the 7-2 win.
 
Haley McDougall finished with seven saves in goal, while Blackhurst tallied three goals and two assists for eight points.
 
Ploof made 11 stops for Castleton, while Madyson Martin had a defensive save.
 
The Thoroughbreds outshot the Spartans 26-14 and held an 11-6 advantage in penalty corners.

"The Thoroughbreds scored early and often, and really turned up the offensive heat in the second half to secure the 7-2 win" said coach Beth Hallenbeck.  "Several players contributed to the victory, with Kelly Blackhurst leading the offense, and Hilary Cranston doing it all from the midfield."