SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.—The Skidmore College women's basketball suffered a 71-58 defeat against Clarkson in its final game of the regular season, Sunday afternoon at the Williamson Center.
 
The Thoroughbreds, who earned the second seed in the Liberty League tournament, go to 15-10 overall and 11-5 in the Liberty League. The Golden Knights, who locked up the program's first ever Liberty League postseason appearance, improve to 18-7 overall and 11-5 in league play.
 
Skidmore was led by a pair of seniors, as Angela Botiba had a game-high 17 points on 8 of 15 shooting from the field, also tying for a game-high with eight rebounds and Molly McLaughlin contributed 14 points, six rebounds and four assists.
 
The first half was back-and-forth with the lead changing hands 10 times. Devin Sorell and Madison scored on back-to-back possessions to give Clarkson its biggest lead of the half at 21-17. The Thoroughbreds battled back down the stretch, outscoring the Golden Knights 10-5 over the final six minutes of the frame to take a 36-33 lead into half.
 
The Golden Knights rallied in the second half, using a 10-3 run to take a 55-48 lead. The Thoroughbreds cut the deficit to three after back-to-back jumpers by Kelly Donnelly, but Cara Manfredi restored Clarkson's six-point cushion with a deep three. The Golden Knights were dominant defensively down the stretch, holding Skidmore to just five points over the final 8:12 of the contest to secure the 71-58 win.
 
Ashley Loggins had a team-high 16 points for Clarkson, also adding eight rebounds, Sorell produced 15 points off the bench, going 3 for 6 from beyond the arc and Manfredi had 11 points and five boards.
 
The Golden Knights owned a 25-13 advantage in bench points and forced the Thoroughbreds into 17 turnovers, while committing just six.
 
"Today we were out hustled and out worked play after play," said Skidmore head coach Darren Bennett. "This was the first time all year that our effort did not match who we are and that's what stung the most.  They were playing with their backs against the wall and they dictated the tempo and the style of play and came away with the win.
 
"We have some things to clean up and a quick turnaround before starting post season play on Wednesday at home versus the very same team.  I'm sure we will be ready to go."

Before the game, Skidmore honored its four seniors: Botiba, McLaughlin, Allie Keller and Lindsey Davis.
 
"Today was also senior day for us and we will be losing four of the most amazing young women that I have ever met," Bennett added. "They are great individual human beings and even better teammates and basketball family members.  I cannot say enough about them as they will leave a mark on this program forever.  Angela, Lindsey, Allie and Molly we will miss you, and we will always be in it together."
 
Skidmore hosts Clarkson again on Wednesday in the Liberty League semifinals. Tipoff is slated for 6 p.m.