ITHACA, N.Y. – Skidmore College captured its sixth straight Liberty League women's tennis championship, defeating St. Lawrence University, 5-1, Sunday afternoon at the Reis Tennis Center on the campus of Cornell University.

Skidmore (11-8), ranked 26th nationally, earned an automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament and will be making its 10th consecutive and 20th overall NCAA tournament appearance. The tournament field will be announced Monday, May 9.

The Thoroughbreds took a 2-1 lead in doubles and received strong performances from top to bottom in singles play. Skidmore opened the scoring by winning second doubles as sophomores Brianna Greene and Alexa Goldberg cruised to an 8-2 victory, giving the team a lead that it wouldn't relinquish. Junior Madie Benn and sophomore Michelle Fuca added an 8-3 win at first doubles, increasing the lead to 2-0. St. Lawrence rallied for a win in third doubles to narrow the margin to 2-1. Sophomore Lia Peterson and first-year Allie Dadoly trailed 6-5, but won the final three games to take an 8-6 victory.

The singles matches were close throughout the first sets, but Skidmore won opening sets in four of the six matches. Within minutes, senior Caroline Hobbs posted a 6-1, 6-4 victory at number six while freshman Laura Swenson capped off a 6-2, 6-3 win at number five, increasing the Thoroughbred lead to 4-1.

Greene sealed the match for Skidmore, closing out a 6-1, 6-3 win at second singles.
 
#26 Skidmore 5, St. Lawrence 1
May 08, 2016 at Ithaca, N.Y. (Reis Tennis Center)

Singles competition

1. Morgan McNeal (SLU) vs. Madie Benn (SKD) 6-3, 1-5, unfinished

2. Brianna Greene (SKD) def. Emily Wyman (SLU) 6-1, 6-3

3. Georgia Comber (SLU) vs. Michelle Fuca (SKD) 6-7 (5-7), 0-1, unfinished

4. Hallie Young (SLU) vs. Erica Meno (SKD) 6-2, 2-6, unfinished

5. Laura Swenson (SKD) def. Alexandra Dadoly (SLU) 6-2, 6-3

6. Caroline Hobbs (SKD) def. Lia Petersen (SLU) 6-1, 6-4

Doubles competition

1. Madie Benn/Michelle Fuca (SKD) def. Morgan McNeal/Georgia Comber (SLU) 8-3

2. Alexa Goldberg/Brianna Greene (SKD) def. Hallie Young/Emily Wyman (SLU) 8-2

3. Lia Petersen/Alexandra Dadoly (SLU) def. Caroline Hobbs/Laura Swenson (SKD) 8-6

Match Notes

Skidmore 11-8; National ranking #26; Regional ranking #8

St. Lawrence 14-7; Regional ranking #15

Order of finish: Doubles (2,1,3); Singles (6,5,2)

Official: F. Thomas, M. Raynes T-2:55 A-50