Thoroughbreds celebrate; jump into winter action

Field hockey earned a place in the NCAA semifinals for the second time since 2010 with a thrilling 3-2 win against the host No. 3 Middlebury College in Sunday’s NCAA regional final. Kelly Blackhurst ’14, Melanie Webb ’15 and Jenn Hanks ’16 all produced a goal; goalkeeper Haley McDougall ’15 made seven saves in the win. The team advanced to Sunday’s regional final after setting a record for most goals in an NCAA tournament game with Saturday’s 11-1 rout of Keene State University. Blackhurst, who is currently the sixth all-time leading scorer in Division III, tied a tournament high with five goals. The Thoroughbreds (19-3) take on Salisbury University at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at the USA Field Hockey Training Center in Virginia Beach, Va.

Women’s soccer saw its run come to an end in a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat by Rowan University in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Five members of the team were named to All-Liberty League teams, as Arena Manning ’16 and Christine Bellotti ’14 earned first-team honors, Gab Lawrence ’14 and Kelsey Russell ’14 were named to the second team and Morgan Governale ’15 received honorable mention. The Thoroughbreds qualified for the tournament for the first time since 2011, opening the season with a 12-game unbeaten streak and setting a program record with a 13-game unbeaten streak dating from Oct. 24, 2012.

Men’s basketball took part in the Babson College Invitational Tournament to open its 2013-14 campaign. Eric Sanders ’16 made the most of his Skidmore debut, scoring 19 points in the team’s 79-70 win against No. 22 Rhode Island College on Friday. Aldin Medunjanin ’16 contributed 17 points, six rebounds, six assists and three blocks, Connor Merrill ’15 had 14 points and eight rebounds and Tanner Brooks ’16 finished with 12 points and three steals. Sanders was a major contributor in Saturday’s championship game against the host Babson College, putting up 22 points and nine rebounds, but the Thoroughbreds came up just short, falling 78-60. The team goes on the road to Castleton State College Tuesday, Nov. 19, for a 7 p.m. contest.

Women’s basketball opened its 2013-14 season with the 37th Skidmore Invitational Women’s Basketball Tournament. Jordyn Wartts ’14 recorded a team-high 17 points and Angela Botiba ’15 posted 14 points and eight rebounds in Friday’s 64-52 setback against Western New England. Botiba led all scorers in Saturday’s 66-56 loss against Oneonta State, registering a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds. Wartts added 11 points and Molly McLaughlin ’15 chipped in seven points, four rebounds, and four assists. The Thoroughbreds travel to Amherst College Thursday, Nov. 21, for a 7 p.m. tip-off.

Aaron Beck ’14 tallied twice as men’s hockey was edged, 6-4, by New England College Friday. Anthony Bird ’17 netted the game-tying goal with 26 seconds to play in regulation in the team’s 3-3 tie at St. Anselm College Saturday. Dalton Weinstein ’14 scored his second goal of the season, Phil Buonocore ’14 chipped in a goal, and Jack McDonald’17 stopped 21 shots to seal a point on the road. The Thoroughbreds host Babson College at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22.

Men and women’s swimming and diving both dropped close meets Friday against Oneonta State, and Saturday against the College of St. Rose. Kate Lambos ’15, Yookee Roh ’16 and Erin Donovan ’17 all earned first-place finishes against Oneonta State. Lambos placed first in the 1000 Free (11:31.49), Roh won the 200 IM (2:18.91) and Donovan won the 100 Back (1:03.36) for the third straight meet. Catherine King ’15 was a double-winner against the College of St. Rose, capturing first in the 100 Free (56.57) and combining with Donovan, Roh and Jessica Sandberg ’17 for first in the 200 Medley Relay (1:59.11). Lyle Stephenson ’15 was a top finisher for the men against the Golden Knights, placing second in the 50 free with a season-best 23.26, the 100 Back (58.09), and teaming with Jon Markowitz ’14, Bailey Best ’17 and Tim Brodsky ’14 for a second-place finish in the 200 Medley Relay (1:44.80). ~ By Dan St. Jacques