SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Skidmore College volleyball team held off a strong comeback effort from St. Lawrence, picking up a dramatic 3-2 (25-23, 28-26, 24-26, 23-25, 15-13) victory in the Liberty League opener for both teams at the Williamson Sports Center Friday evening.
 
Skidmore improves to 7-5 overall and 1-0 in league play. St. Lawrence falls to 9-4 (0-1).
 
The match was contested throughout, with the Thoroughbreds edging the Saints in the first two sets. Skidmore had a chance to win the match, up 23-20 in the third, before St. Lawrence went on a 6-1 run to stay alive. The fourth set stuck to the same script, with Skidmore jumping out to a 9-5 lead. The Thoroughbreds were up 21-17 before the Saints made another run, closing the set out on an 8-2 run.
 
In the fifth and deciding set, Skidmore once again came out to a 7-3 lead on a kill by junior Caite Canfield, before St. Lawrence closed the gap, tying things at 13. Skidmore stayed composed late, getting a kill by Canfield and an attack error by St. Lawrence to close things out.
 
The Thoroughbreds hit .260 as a team. Canfield led the way with 29 kills, adding 13 digs. Junior Bailey Hutchins added 16 kills and three service aces. Sophomore Lauren Wolters added a career-high 61 assists, while junior Allie Dillon added 20 digs on the defensive end.
 
Grace Kelly led the Saints with 22 kills and 11 digs. Kate Kull added 60 assists in the effort as the team hit .279.
 
The Thoroughbreds are back in action on Saturday, taking on defending league champion Clarkson at the Williamson Sports Center at 1 p.m.