SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.—The Skidmore College women's soccer team played to a scoreless Liberty League draw with Vassar on Saturday afternoon at Wachenheim Field.
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The tie moves the Thoroughbreds to 5-5-1 overall and 3-2-1 in league play, while the Brewers go 7-3-2 overall and 1-0-2 in the Liberty League.
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Both teams generated their best scoring opportunities in the second half. Audrey Pillsbury nearly put the visitors in front in the 61st minute, but Skidmore goalkeeper
Alyssa Rollins managed to tip the curling strike onto the crossbar to keep the game at 0-0.
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The Thoroughbreds answered back three minutes later, but
Shelby Hanlon's header from a
Nicole LoRusso corner went just wide of the left post, keeping the game even.
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Skidmore pressed late and looked to have found the winner in the closing minutes.
Courtney Shaw broke down the right wing and drilled a low ball across the goal mouth and after Vassar goalkeeper Emma Nichols made a diving save to parry the cross away,
Emily Saliterman pounced on the rebound but her shot sailed over the crossbar.
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The Brewers came close to ending the game in the first overtime period, but again Rollins came to the Thoroughbreds rescue. Kamaria Coley worked her way into the 18-yard box from the left wing and muscled past her defender for a one-on-one with the keeper. Rollins was quick off her line to cut down the angle, leaving Coley nowhere to place her strike. After Rollins initial save Vassar had two more cracks at the loose ball, but the Skidmore defense managed to block both shots and clear the ball from harms way.
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The Thoroughbreds controlled play in the second overtime frame, driving in four shots, but none were able to challenge Nichols who finished with eight saves for her sixth shutout.
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Skidmore outshot Vassar 17-14 and had a 5-2 advantage in corner kicks. Rollins stopped three shots over the final 65 minutes, while
Deirdre Walsh did not face a shot in the first half.
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The Thoroughbreds, who have shutout four of five opponents at home, host #2 Williams at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14.
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