SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.— Babson College used a strong second half on the way to a 1-0 field hockey win over Skidmore College Saturday afternoon at Wagner Park.
 
It was the second game against a defending league champion in as many days for the 11th ranked Thoroughbreds (1-1) who beat St. John Fisher 2-1 in overtime on Friday. The 5th ranked Beavers (2-0) won the NEWMAC and advanced to the NCAA Final Four in 2016.
 
The first half played even with limited opportunities for both teams. Babson shut down five Skidmore penalty corners. The Thoroughbred defense was also on point, limiting the Beavers to one penalty corner and four total shots.
 
Babson came out hard in the second half, pressuring the Skidmore backfield early. Jacki Merrigan scored off a wild scramble in front of Thoroughbred goalie Elizabeth Coughlin at 45:22 for the game's lone goal.
 
The Beavers continued to fire away over the final 24:38, but the Skidmore defense held behind eight saves from Zoe McGuire on in relief of Coughlin.
 
Babson outshot the Thoroughbreds 18-8 (15-3 in the second half). Skidmore had a 7-6 corner advantage.
 
Coughlin (1-1) and McGuire combined for nine saves, while Deirdre Barry had four saves for the Beavers.
 
Skidmore travels to Geneseo on Sept. 9 for a 12 p.m. game.