SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.—One of the most intense rivalries in college sports once again came down to the wire as Skidmore defeated William Smith 2-1 in double overtime.
The Herons dominated the first half, outshooting the home team 9-0 while holding a 7-0 advantage in penalty corners. William Smith took the lead in the 21st minute.
Mia Batchelder made a diagonal run from the right side outside the shooting circle to the left slot. The defense tracked her to the left side, leaving
Madison Campisi open on the right for a shot that produced her fourth goal of the season.
The momentum shifted to the Thoroughbreds in the second half, who had a 7-3 shot edge, but still trailed as the clock ticked under two minutes. With just 96 seconds remaining in regulation, Brooke Golden scored on a penalty corner off an assist from Erin Ohlenbusch to necessitate extra time.
The first OT featured fast-paced, end-to-end action with both teams generating three shots. Midway through the second OT Skidmore earned a penalty corner and cashed in. This time Ohlenbusch set up Gianna DiGioacchino's game winner.
Skidmore goalie Nicole Sylvestri made seven saves, while William Smith keeper
Olivia Terranova made six stops.
SERIES NOTES
- The 41st meeting between the Liberty League foes was decided by just a single goal for the 26th time.
- With today's result, the Thoroughbreds took the series lead 21-20.
- It was the third straight and 5th time in the past six meetings in the series that the final was a one-goal difference.
- Today's match marked the ninth time William Smith and Skidmore have gone to overtime. Despite the setback, the Herons still have a 5-4 advantage in OT.
FOR THE RECORD
- William Smith is 6-6 overall, 1-1 in the Liberty League.
- Skidmore is also 6-6, 2-1 in league play.
UP NEXT
- The Herons will return to the Capital District on Saturday, Oct. 11 to take on Union (6-6, 1-1) at 5 p.m.
