SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Skidmore College field hockey team will embark on its 2023 season on Saturday, Sept. 2 on the road in Maine at Thomas College. Skidmore made strides in 2022 with 12 wins and a return to the Liberty League playoffs. The team has an appetite for more in 2023.   
 
Last Season: For the second consecutive season, the Thoroughbreds finished the regular season strong, with four wins in their final five games. Skidmore returned to the postseason in 2022 but dropped a 2-0 decision to Vassar in the opening round of the Liberty League Tournament. The Thoroughbreds finished the season 12-9 overall and went 3-4 in the league to finish fifth.
 
The Schedule: After opening at Thomas, Skidmore will play one more road game at Utica on Sept. 5 before playing its next three games all at home. The Thoroughbreds will host Nazareth and SUNY Geneseo Sept. 8-9. The conference portion of the schedule will kick off on Sept. 23 on the road at Canton. Skidmore will host league matches against Ithaca (9/30), Vassar (10/15), and William Smith (10/20). Additionally, the Thoroughbreds will host five-time defending national champion Middlebury on Sept. 27.
 
Back: Out of the three All-Liberty League selections from Skidmore in 2022, two of them are back. Kayla Hassett earned Second Team honors after contributing on both ends of the turf as a sophomore highlighted by three goals and a team high eight assists. Tobi Dolan earned Honorable Mention accolades after contributing to a defensive unit that held opponents to one goal or fewer nine different times. They also chipped in offensively with 11 points, including three goals, all over the team's final seven games of the regular season. Overall, Skidmore brings back 17 players from last season's roster.
 
Incoming: The 2023 roster is supplemented with seven newcomers.
 
History: The Thoroughbreds have won 10 league titles and made 15 NCAA Tournament appearances. The team has played in three Final Fours (2001, 2010, 2013) and has reached the national quarterfinals six times. Head coach Beth Hallenbeck won her 300^th game as Skidmore's head coach in 2022. Her overall coaching record is 376-198-1 (.655) and 306-121 (.717) with Skidmore.
 
From head coach Beth Hallenbeck:
"This year's team has strong leadership, skills and game experience. Following a successful team trip to England, the squad is eager to continue to play at a high level and prove their ability in the Liberty League and beyond.
 
"The team is acclimating the new players to Skidmore and Saratoga Springs during preseason. Becoming familiar with campus and the surrounding area, understanding the expectations for the team, preparing for academic rigor, and learning how to access available support and resources are critical aspects of the time leading into the start of classes and our competitive schedule."