SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Sophomore defender Phoebe Martell-Crawford's strike from about 40 yards out in overtime lifted the Skidmore College women's soccer team, defeating Plattsburgh 3-2 at Wachenheim Field on a warm Saturday afternoon. The Thoroughbreds will begin Liberty League play, taking on Union on Tuesday, Sept. 20.
 
After 105 minutes of play between two evenly-matched teams, a Skidmore pass deflected by the Cardinals defense, the ball fluttered to Martell-Crawford's feet. Martell-Crawford took the 40-yard shot, the ball floating high in the air, but just getting under the top corner of the net, just beyond the goalkeeper's reach.
 
Emily Saliterman and Emma Basso also scored goals for the Thoroughbreds (3-1), with Courtney Shaw and Christina Sanzari tallying assists. Alyssa Rollins stopped four shots in the victory.
 
Ashlie Huinness and Kate Matott scored goals for the visiting Cardinals (4-2). Nichole Gibson was busy in net, making 10 saves.
 
Basso got the Thoroughbreds on the board in the 20th minute. A deft pass by Shaw just off the end line inside the penalty box found Basso, who finished low for the lead. The Thoroughbreds doubled their lead in the 51st minute. Sanzari's long throw-in found Saliterman, who finished high for her team-leading fourth goal of the season.
 
Plattsburgh answered back right off the goal, getting a 2-on-1 opportunity 27 seconds later. Guinness finished to the keeper's right to get the Cardinals on the board. In the 88th minute, Matott corralled the rebound off a Rollins save, tying the game.
 
Skidmore turned up the pressure in the ensuing overtime period, outshooting Plattsburgh 6-2 in 15:41 of play in the extra period. Emily Mendes nearly won it for the Thoroughbreds in the 99th minute, on a free kick opportunity just outside the box. Her low shot got around the wall, but just missed the net by inches, bouncing wide.
 
Skidmore led 20-14 on shots, and led 11-2 in corner kicks. Plattsburgh was cautioned once, in the 70th minute.