SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – A fast start proved not enough as the Skidmore College women's lacrosse team fell to RPI, 16-12, at Wachenheim Field on Wednesday afternoon.
The Thoroughbreds (4-4, 0-2 Liberty League) built a commanding 6-2 lead early into the second quarter, but were unable to maintain the momentum as the Engineers (4-3, 1-1 Liberty League) rallied back and flipped the script by outscoring Skidmore 9-to-3 in the second half to pull away in the closing minutes.
In a largely evenly-contested match, Skidmore held a slight edge in shots on goal, 23-22, while both teams finished even with 15 draw controls. Additionally, the Thoroughbreds went 20-of-22 on clear attempts compared to a similar 16-of-18 for the Engineers.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Engineers struck first before freshman Lauren Hughey answered with a solo goal to even the score, but RPI responded 30 seconds later to take a 2-1 lead with 6:45 remaining in the first quarter.
- Skidmore closed the quarter on a three-goal run, as seniors Julia Cafasso, Lily Hudner, and Allison Brewer each found the back of the net to give the Thoroughbreds a 4-2 advantage.
- The run continued into the second period, with goals from Brewer and Hudner in the opening minute extending the lead to 6-2 with 14:08 remaining in the half.
- RPI answered with a 5-3 run over the remainder of the quarter to cut the deficit to 9-7 at halftime, but Brewer scored twice and Cafasso added a goal in the final seconds to help Skidmore maintain the lead.
- RPI controlled the second half, scoring five goals in the third quarter to overcome a pair of solo goals from Hudner and take a 12-11 lead into the fourth.
- In the final period, the Engineers struck twice early to extend the lead to 14-11 before Cafasso answered with a free-position goal to cut the deficit to two.
- Skidmore earned another opportunity off the ensuing draw, but the free-position attempt to further cut the deficit to just one score was denied by RPI, which responded with two straight goals to pull away in the closing minutes.
STANDOUT THOROUGHBREDS
- Brewer set a new career best with four goals.
- Hudner matched her career high with four goals.
- Cafasso finished with a hat trick of goals on five shots-on-goal.
- Ross led the team with three assists.
- Hughey's goal was her third on the season.
- Junior Charlotte Taylor led the team with six draw controls in addition to three groundballs and one caused turnover.
UP NEXT
The Thoroughbreds heads out to Union on Saturday for a 1 PM matchup.