Box Score
Castleton, Vt. - The Skidmore Thoroughbreds were crowned the 2013 Rutland Herald Invitational Champions, beating Simmons College 1-0 in the championship game at Castleton on Sunday.
The Thoroughbreds improved to 3-0-1 with the win. Senior defender
Kelsey Russell was named Tournament MVP after leading the Skidmore defense to its second clean sheet of the season.
Skidmore took the lead when
Christine Bellotti netted her second goal of the tournament to give the Thoroughbreds a 1-0 advantage in the first half. The midfielder lined up a corner kick and bent it from the right flagstick into the side netting on the far post.
In the waning seconds of the first half, Skidmore threatened again.
Kelly O'Donnell had a one-on-one opportunity to increase the Thoroughbreds' advantage, but Simmons goalkeeper Briana Hayes came up large, stopping the chance with a huge save and clearance to maintain the 1-0 score into halftime.
In the second half, Skidmore controlled possession for the majority of the frame and dictated an uptempo pace that challenged the Simmons defensive unit.
Simmons goalkeeper Briana Hayes was named to the All-Tournament Team for her efforts on the weekend. She finished the game with four saves but took the loss as the Sharks fell to 1-2-0 on the year. Her counterpart
Gab Lawrence made one save in the shutout victory.
All-Tournament Team
Mallory Costello – F, So., Castleton
Jessica Binkowski – GK, Fr. , Castleton
Tayla Andrews – F, Sr., UMB
Brittany Castillo – D, Sr., UMB
Briana Hayes – GK, So., Simmons
Issy Verilli – D, So., Simmons
