Box Score Saratoga Wire Coverage
Saratogian Coverage

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – The 5th-ranked Skidmore College field hockey team suffered its first loss of the season, 2-1 to #2 Middlebury in Wednesday's top-five matchup at Thoroughbred Field.
 
The Thoroughbreds fall to 8-1, while the Panthers improve to 6-0.  The loss snaps Skidmore's regular season home winning streak at 27 games, while Middlebury earned its third win over a top-10 opponent in as many games.
 
The Panthers dominated the first half, outshooting the Thoroughbreds 17-0. But Skidmore goalie Haley McDougall kept the Thoroughbreds in the game, making 10 saves to keep it scoreless through the half.
 
Middlebury broke the scoreless tie at 44:44 when freshman Anna Kenyon redirected a pass from Alyssa DiMaio for her third of the season.  The Panthers made it 2-0 as senior Lauren Greer tallied her 10th of the season, redirecting a Charlotte Gardiner pass on the far post at 55:05.
 
Skidmore was finally able to put pressure on the Middlebury defense late and made it 2-1 when Ceilidh MacNeill redirected Kelly Blackhurst's shot past Madeline Brooks with 6:59 remaining.  The Thoroughbreds continued to put the pressure on late but were unable to break through as the Panthers held on for the 2-1 victory.
 
McDougall finished with a career-high 19 saves for Skidmore, while defenders Annie Weis and Jenn Hanks each added a defensive save.  Brooks made two saves, while Meredith Rowe had a pair of defensive saves for Middlebury.

"The Thoroughbred defensive unit was impressive today" coach Beth Hallenbeck said. "Sophomore goalkeeper Haley McDougall set the tone with 19 saves.  Jenn Hanks and Annie Weis each contributed a defensive save, in addition to providing the offense with great clears up the field.  Ceilidh MacNeill worked tirelessly in the midfield, and provided the lone goal.  Pauline Searles was determined and steady, taking on the difficult assignment of marking Middlebury's top offensive threat."
 
The Thoroughbreds return to action on Friday when they host Williams at 4 p.m.  The Panthers travel to Wesleyan for a NESCAC battle on Saturday at noon.
 
 
                       Field Hockey Game Summary (Final)
                       2012 Skidmore College Field Hockey
#2 Middlebury College vs #5 Skidmore College (Sep 26, 2012 at Saratoga Springs, NY)
 
 Middlebury College (6-0) vs. Skidmore College (8-1)
 Date: Sep 26, 2012  Attendance: 175
 Weather: Mid 60's, overcast at start
 
 Goals by period       1  2  Tot
 -------------------------------
 Middlebury College..  0  2 -  2
 Skidmore College....  0  1 -  1
 
 SCORING SUMMARY:
  1.  44:44 MIDFH Anna Kenyon (3) (Alyssa DiMaio) - Redirected on pass from outside
  2.  55:05 MIDFH Lauren Greer (10) (Charlotte Gardiner) - Redirect on far post
  3.  63:01 SKIDMORE Ceilidh MacNeill (7) (Kelly Blackhurst) - Redirect of shot from top
 
 Shots: Middlebury College 31, Skidmore College 7
 Saves: Middlebury College 2 (Madeline Brooks 2, TEAM 2), Skidmore College 21
 (Haley McDougall 19; TEAM 2)