Strong opening weekend for the Thoroughbreds
Skidmore’s volleyball, field hockey, and women’s and men’s soccer teams got the fall athletics campaign off to a strong start over the weekend. Across the board, the teams were excited to be back in action and showed promise for exciting seasons ahead.
Women’s soccer
Picking right back up from their Liberty League championship run last year, Skidmore Women’s Soccer launched their 2023 season with a 1-0 win over SUNY Brockport and a 1-1 tie vs. St. John Fisher University.
Izzy Sullivan ’24 scored the winning goal against Brockport, Avery Rogers ’26 registered four saves for her first collegiate win and shutout, and Ella Stone ’25 notched the Thoroughbred's goal versus St. John Fisher.
Kamal Ibrahim scored two goals against SUNY Geneseo.
Men’s soccer
Skidmore Men’s Soccer started with a hard-fought 0-0 against SUNY Oswego, the first shutout for first-year goalie Jonathan Phytrion ’27. In another all-out effort, All-Liberty League first teamer (2022) Kamal Ibrahim ’24 scored two goals versus SUNY Geneseo in a 4-2 loss.
"Our non-league matches are always a test, but we believe that it will help us with our consistently competitive Liberty League schedule," said Coach Jeremiah Kneeland.
After making their fifth appearance in the Liberty League championship last season, the players have their sights set on another bracket appearance this fall.
Jo Blanco finished the day with 17 kills.
Volleyball
Skidmore Volleyball started its 2023 campaign with a four-set win over UMass Boston and a three-set win over Rivier University before succumbing to Keene State College in five sets on day two of the Springfield College Invitational. Ella Harris ’24, who was named to the all-tournament team, had 23 kills and 12 blocks in the three games. Setter Noa Berger’ 24 notched 70 assists.
It was an uplifting start for the T-Bred team that’s focused on not only reaching the final dance this season, but making some noise while doing it.
Beth Yorns had two goals and an assist.
Field Hockey
Skidmore Field Hockey dominated play against Thomas College in Waterville, Maine, and broke through an intense game with three goals in the final 2:21 to win 4-1.
"Our relentless pressure paid off with the team scoring three late and beautifully executed goals to open up the 1-1 deadlock,” said Coach Beth Hallenbeck. “Kayla Hassett ’25 and Mia Angwin ’26 led the way with intensity, a high level of skill and the will to win. Beth Yorns ’25 was exceptional both up front and in the midfield."
Field hockey made strides in 2022 with 12 wins and a return to the Liberty League playoffs, and the team has an appetite for more in 2023.
Looking forward
Be sure to catch all of the Thoroughbred action at SkidmoreAthletics.com, including forthcoming competitions for golf, tennis, and rowing.
And on Sept. 15, the entire community will be watching as 12-time Liberty League Champions Skidmore Women’s Tennis make history hosting the Thoroughbred Invitational on the new McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center outdoor tennis courts.
