Skidmore falls to WCSU in NCAA first-round game

Skidmore's women's soccer team battled Western Connecticut State University to a 0-0 overtime tie before falling 5-4 in penalty kicks during the NCAA Division III championship first round Saturday at Wachenheim Field.

The Thoroughbreds end the season at 13-4-5, while Western Connecticut (15-3-3) moves on to play the College of New Jersey?a 1-0 overtime winner over Moravian College?at 1 p.m. Sunday.

The Skidmore-WCSU game was even across the board with both teams depending heavily on defensive play. Skidmore freshman goalie Meghan Sleezer (Gloversville, N.Y./Gloversville) had five saves, including four in the second half, to send the game to overtime. Two of the saves came in the final 90 seconds of regulation when WCSU had its best scoring threat: three corner kicks and quality shots by Amanda Genova (New Milford, Conn.) and Domonique Pascascio (Hamden, Conn.).

Skidmore's defense posted its 16th shutout of the season and third double-overtime shutout. Making key plays defensively in their final collegiate game were seniors Leila Wendler (Maynard, Mass.) and Sarah Whateley (Williamstown, Mass.).

Colonial goalie Shannon Cawley (Willimatic, Conn.) also had five saves for her 10th shutout of the season. Skidmore held a 13-12 edge in shots.

The teams were tied 4-4 after the first five penalty kicks, with Sleezer making an outstanding save on the second Western shot. Felicia McGarry (Waterford, Conn.) scored on the sixth attempt for the Colonials and then Cawley was able to tip the final Skidmore shot over the crossbar for the 5-4 win.

"They never gave up working together, and they always come back and cover each other," said Skidmore Coach Sarah Cooper. "I'm so proud of what we've accomplished. Although it might not seem that way now, we had a great season."

Sleezer gets credit for her 10th shutout of the season, tying a Skidmore team record. The team defense set a program record for least goals allowed: eight in 22 games.