Castleton, Vt. – The Skidmore Thoroughbreds edged UMass-Boston 2-1 in the first round of the Rutland Herald Invitational on Saturday in Castleton. Keirsten Sires provided the game-winner, finishing off a rebound in the 73rd minute to seal the victory.
 
In the first half, Skidmore got out to an early lead when Christine Bellotti ripped a bullet from the top of the box to put the Thoroughbreds up 1-0. Skidmore was able to hold their one-goal advantage into the halftime break.
 
The Thoroughbreds amped up their pressure in the second frame, outshooting the Beacons 12-3 in the period. However it was UMass-Boston that drew even in the 63^rd minute. Brittany Castillo struck goldfrom nearly 25 yards out, sending a shot into the bottom corner of the net,narrowly beating Skidmore goalkeeper Gab Lawrence, to tie the game.
 
With the scores level and time winding down, Skidmore stepped up in the clutch. Freshman Emily Saliterman ripped a ball off the crossbar that bounced back into play. The ball fell into the lap of Sires at the six-yard line, and she calmly slotted the ball in the bottom corner to give the Thoroughbreds the lead.
 
In the final moments, the Beacons had a chance to tie. With three minutes remaining, Krista Ledin found herself one-on-one with the goalie Lawrence. The Thoroughbreds keeper sprinted from her line and slid out at Ledin who nearly slipped past the sprawled goalie. Lawrence was able to neutralize the attack and preserve the one-goal lead for Skidmore.
 
The Thoroughbreds move to 2-0-1 on the year and will take on Simmons in the Rutland Herald Invitational championship game at 2:30pm Sunday, Sept. 8. UMass-Boston falls to 1-2 and will take on host Castleton at 12pm on Sunday in the consolation match.