SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Skidmore College volleyball team narrowly missed out on a spot in the 2022 Liberty League Tournament. This year, the squad is focused on its goal of not only reaching the championship tournament but making some noise while doing it.
 
The Thoroughbreds open the 2023 season on Friday, Sept. 1 in the first of three matches at Springfield College. Skidmore will take on UMass Boston in the opener.
 
The Schedule: After opening at Springfield, Skidmore comes home to host Williams in a mid-week match before four more home contests in the Skidmore Classic Sept. 8-9. The Liberty League portion of the schedule commences on Sept. 22 at home against Union. Skidmore will also host Vassar (9/23), Clarkson (9/29), and Bard (10/14) in conference tilts. The regular season will come to a close Nov. 3 at Plattsburgh State.  
 
Last Season: The Thoroughbreds fell victim to a trio of five-set losses early on in the season, but went 10-8 over their final 18 matches to finish 10-15 overall. Skidmore was 2-6 in the league and missed out on the playoffs via a tiebreaker.  
 
Liberty League Tournament: This will be the second year of the expanded playoffs for volleyball. The top six teams receive invitations to the tournament. The first round will occur on Tuesday, Nov. 7 followed by the final four at the number one overall seed Nov. 10-11.
 
Back: Skidmore returns its lone All-Liberty League selection, Jo Blanco, to the court for her senior season. She led the team with 2.43 kills per set and had 2.43 digs per set with 32 total blocks. The Thoroughbreds have 11 returning players to the roster.
 
Incoming: Skidmore welcomes eight newcomers to the roster.
 
Postseason History: The Thoroughbreds have won four league championships and competed in eight NCAA Tournaments, the last coming in 2012.
 
From head coach Lindsay Bynon:
"We have a young group of athletes this season with eight new members of our program. Our returners have welcomed each of them with open arms making the transition seamless. The team comradery has been amazing both on and off the court and energy has been high every practice. Our athletes have worked hard throughout preseason and are looking forward to competing at a high level this Fall."