SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Skidmore College women's volleyball team opens its 2024 campaign with four matches in Southern California starting Friday, Aug. 30 at 2 p.m. (Eastern) against Occidental College. The Thoroughbreds got back to the playoffs in 2023 and have their eyes set on more for the upcoming season.
 
THE SCHEDULE AHEAD
After the opener, Skidmore will play host Pomona-Pitzer Friday at 8 p.m. Eastern. Skidmore ends the trip Saturday against Whittier and La Verne. After that, the Thoroughbreds host the Skidmore Classic with matches against Brandeis, Plattsburgh, and Cortland Sept. 6-7.
 
Skidmore has seven additional non-league matches before Liberty League play commences on Friday, Sept. 27 at home against RIT. Other home conference matches include Ithaca (9/28), St. Lawrence (10/4), and William Smith (10/19).
 
A REWIND OF 2023
The Thoroughbreds reached the postseason tournament for the first time since 2017 as the No. 5 seed. In the Liberty League First Round, Skidmore played a spirited match with Vassar that nearly extended to a fifth set. The Thoroughbreds finished the season 12-14 overall and an even 4-4 in conference matches. The Thoroughbreds picked up league victories over Union (3-0), Bard (3-1), St. Lawrence (3-0), and RIT (3-1).
 
Skidmore will seek to continue the momentum from the end of last season, when the team won each of its final three regular season matches and four out of the last five. Skidmore won 12 out of 13 sets in its last four wins of the year. Earlier in the season, Skidmore hung tough, taking a set from two-time defending league champion and preseason favorite Ithaca. The Bombers are ranked 19^th nationally in the Aug. 26 AVCA Poll.
 
RETURNING
Skidmore has a dozen returning players including All-Liberty League second-team honoree Jazlin Chen. The junior middle hitter led the conference in 2023 with 1.10 blocks per set. She was also third in the circuit with a .318 hitting percentage.
 
INCOMING
Skidmore welcomes four first-years players to the roster.
 
PROGRAM HISTORY
Skidmore has won four league championships and have appeared in eight NCAA Tournaments, the last coming in 2012.
 
FROM HEAD COACH LINDSAY KING
"We are excited for what lies ahead for our group this fall. With a team of 12 underclassmen, we have enjoyed watching these athletes step into leadership roles during preseason and have been proud of the way each member of our program has contributed to our growth both on and off the court.
 
We are looking forward to competing at a high level both in conference and in non-conference play and look forward to a successful season."