CLINTON, N.Y. – The Skidmore College women's lacrosse team couldn't overcome a hot start by Hamilton, as the 24^th-ranked Thoroughbreds dropped a 12-7 decision to the Continentals at Steuben Field Thursday afternoon.
 
Skidmore falls to 5-3 on the season, while Hamilton improves to 4-3.
 
The Continentals jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first 5:27. The Thoroughbreds responded with a Cas Szwajkowski goal at 20:28 as they trailed 4-1. The teams traded goals for the next 10 minutes; Hamilton tacked on a pair of goals by Skyler Simson and Tessa Ryan, before the Thoroughbreds responded with goals by Szwajkowki and Grace Connerty. Hamilton finished the half with four more goals to take a commanding 10-3 lead into halftime.
 
Connerty connected on her second goal of the afternoon to begin the second half as Skidmore trailed by six (10-4). The Thoroughbreds couldn't string a pair of goals together though, as Hamilton was able to respond midway through the period. Skidmore eventually outscored Hamilton in the second half by a 4-2 margin, scoring twice in the final 3:23 of regulation.
 
Szwajkowski, Skidmore's all-time leader in goals scored, added another three goals to her career tally. She's scored three or more goals in each of the last six contests. Connerty added two goals, while Shelby Boland added a goal and assist for two points. Emily Hirsch also tallied a goal in the game, with Anna Boogaerts adding an assist. Natalie LaBeau led Skidmore with five ground balls and four caused turnovers. Caroline Kenlon added 13 saves in the decision.
 
Ryan, Simson, and Olivia Seymour combined for seven of Hamilton's 12 goals. The Continentals were able to outshoot the Thoroughbreds by a 32-20 margin. Hannah Burrall made six saves in 55:11 in the victory.
 
Skidmore will wrap up the week with a return to Liberty League action, visiting Bard Saturday at 3 p.m.