SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Skidmore College field hockey team will kick off its season on Friday on the road at Thomas College in Maine. A familiar early season foe, the Thoroughbreds have defeated the Terriers in all seven matchups since the series began in 2017.
 
A REWIND OF 2024
Skidmore reached the Liberty League Semifinal in 2024 after knocking off William Smith for the program's first postseason victory since 2017. The squad finished the year 9-12 overall with a 2-5 mark in the Liberty League. The Thoroughbreds battled throughout the year before falling 2-0 to Ithaca in the semifinal. Overall, Skidmore came up short in five one-goal games including a 1-0 loss to eighth-ranked Cortland on the road in overtime.
 
Skidmore allowed two goals or fewer 15 times a year ago.
 
THE SCHEDULE AHEAD
The road trip in Maine continues over the weekend when Skidmore plays Husson University (hosted at Thomas) on Saturday. Only two of the first seven contests will be played a home. The team has its home opener slated for Sept. 10 against New Paltz, and will host Hartwick three days later on Sept. 13.   
 
Ten days later, after two more non-league away games, Skidmore will host perennial power Middlebury. The Panthers are ranked No. 1 in the preseason poll. Skidmore will play five preseason top-25 ranked teams in 2025.
 
Liberty League play is set to begin on Saturday, Sept. 27 on the road at St. Lawrence. The Thoroughbreds will host league matchups against William Smith (10/5), Vassar (10/11), and Ithaca (10/19). The regular season finale is slated for Nov. 1 at home against Cortland.
 
RETURNING
Thirteen players return to the roster in 2025, including two out of its three double-digit point getters from a year ago. Colby Paul was second on the team with 10 goals and 22 points, and scored the playoff game winner at William Smith.
 
Abby Ezickson went for four goals and five assists for 13 points last season as a junior. Additionally, junior midfielder Erin Ohlenbusch was one of the team's four All-Liberty League representatives from 2024.
 
INCOMING
Skidmore welcomes the addition of seven first-year players to the program.
 
PROGRAM HISTORY
One of the most storied programs in Division III, Skidmore has 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 392-220-2 (.640) and 322-143-1 (.692) with Skidmore.
 
Skidmore has boasted 38 NFHCA All-Americans and five CSC Academic All-Americans®.
 
FROM HEAD COACH BETH HALLENBECK:
"This year's team brings a high level of grit, effort, intensity, enthusiasm, experience and skill. They are poised and ready to compete with the best."