SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Skidmore College women's soccer team improved to 2-0 on the young season thanks to a 2-0 victory over William Patterson University, in non-league action at Wachenheim Field Saturday afternoon.
 
It's the fourth straight season that the Thoroughbreds have started 2-0. William Patterson drops to 1-1.
 
Skidmore got both its goals midway through the first half. In the 35^th minute, a solid dribbling effort by Yasmine Boukari on the left side found the junior midfielder at the goal line. She found a cutting Carly Craft in front of net, as the sophomore forward slotted home the open goal.
 
Just over three minutes later, Boukari took matters in to her own hands, sniping her trademark shot from about 35 yards out, a line drive that beat Lasell goalkeeper Erica Hickey high.
 
Skidmore nearly got its third in the 68^th minute, but a header by sophomore midfielder Vanessa Eljaiek hit the crossbar. The Skidmore defense held strong despite a pair of William Patterson chances late, preserving the shutout.
 
The Thoroughbreds outshot the Pioneers by a 14-5 margin. Each team earned three corners. Sophomore goalie Ava Keller earned her second win of the season, playing the first 45 minutes. Fellow classmate Vivian Montgomery-Walsh made two saves in the final 45 minutes, as the pair earned their first shutout of the season.
 
Kristen Bowe led the Pioneers with two shots on goal. Erica Hickey was busy in net, making seven saves in 85:04.
 
Skidmore hits the road for the first time in 2019, traveling to New Paltz next Saturday in a 1 p.m. start.