Blackhurst leads Skidmore past Castleton, 5-2

Box Score Castleton, Vt. – Senior All-American Kelly Blackhurst scored three goals and had an assist to lead the Skidmore College field hockey team to a 5-2 win over Castleton State College. Friday night at Spartan Stadium.

It was the season opener for both teams. The Thoroughbreds will travel to Cortland on Sunday.

Skidmore scored first, breaking through just 12:12 into the contest. Sophomore Dani DiGregory found Blackhurst right in front and she put it past Jessica Galatioto for the 1-0 advantage.

Following the goal, Castleton put pressure on the Thoroughbreds, eventually earning back-to-back penalty corners. On the second attempt, Rachel Preusser hit the penalty corner to Kristy Pinkham and she dished it to Brynn Cayia, who lifted a shot into the back of the net.

At 26:39, Skidmore broke the tie as Blackhurst and DiGregory connected once again, with DiGregory scoring, for the 2-1 advantage.

In the second half the Thoroughbreds added to their lead with a pair of goals in the 44th minute and 58th minute by Blackhurst for the 4-1 lead. Skidmore made it 5-1 at 63:41 on a score by Melanie Webb after her initial attempt was blocked by Galatioto.

Castleton concluded the scoring with less than four minutes remaining on a penalty corner. This time it was Annie Towslee who dished off the Preusser pass to Cayia, and she finished it for her second goal of the evening.

Skidmore goalie Haley McDougall was impressive in net with 11 saves and while her defense recorded three. Galatioto was also strong in net, making ten stops.

The Thoroughbreds improve to 1-0 on the season while the Spartans drop to 0-1.

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