SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — The Smith College lacrosse team dropped its season opener to Skidmore College 16-7 on Saturday at Wachenheim Field. The Bears begin the season 0-1, while the Thoroughbreds begin the year 1-0.
The first quarter began with Skidmore taking an early lead, as Julia Cafasso scored at 14:23, marking her first goal of the season. The Thoroughbreds extended its advantage with Piper Morgan scoring at 11:43. Despite a series of turnovers and a failed clear attempt, Smith's
Caroline Weyhrich (Boise, ID/Boise) managed to find the net with a goal at 6:46, assisted by
Darci DeAngelis (Boise, ID/Boise). Skidmore responded with another goal from Morgan at 00:40, concluding the quarter with a 4-1 lead over the Bears. Skidmore's defense, anchored by goalie Tatum Walsh, made several key saves to maintain its advantage.
Smith and Skidmore exchanged early turnovers before
Kyra Hawk (San Jose, CA/The Harker School) scored the opening goal of the second quarter for Smith at 13:09, marking her first of the season. Skidmore quickly responded, with Lily Hudner equalizing at 10:24. Hawk found the net again for Smith at 7:24, but Skidmore's Morgan answered with two consecutive goals, assisted by Phoebe Ross, to extend their lead. Hillary Noble added another for the homre team with a free position shot at 4:02, and Morgan secured a hat trick, scoring again at 3:10 and 2:22, to conclude the quarter with Skidmore ahead 9-3.
Skylar Burkhart (Woodinville, WA/Seattle Academy) opened the third quarter with a goal for the Bears at 14:06, assisted by
Emma Butterick (Windsor, CT/Windsor), narrowing the score to 9-5. However, Skidmore quickly countered with Charlotte Taylor scoring her first goal of the season at 12:31. Morgan extended Skidmore's lead to 11-5 with a free position goal at 3:52. Cafasso sealed the quarter with a goal at 00:32, bringing the score to 12-5. Smith's efforts were matched by strong defensive plays from Skidmore, including a crucial save from Walsh against Hawk's shot at 09:06.
The Thoroughbreds secured a commanding 16-7 victory over the Bears, bolstered by Morgan's standout performance with three goals in the fourth quarter, two assisted by Ross. Morgan scored a man-down goal at 11:46 and added two more at 5:21 and 3:01. Skidmore's Jaimie Penner also contributed a goal at 4:40. The Bears responded with goals from Burkhart at 10:50 and
Layna Fitzgerald (Indianapolis, IN/Cathedral) at 1:11, but it wasn't enough to close the gap. Skidmore's strong offense and effective draw controls, particularly from Taylor, were key in maintaining their lead.
Smith Top Performers
Layna Fitzgerald (Indianapolis, IN/Cathedral)
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- 1 goal
- 2 shots on goal
Caroline Weyhrich (Boise, ID/Boise)
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- 1 goal
- 1 free-position goal
Kyra Hawk (San Jose, CA/The Harker School)
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- 2 goals
- 4 shots on goal
Skylar Burkhart (Woodinville, WA/Seattle Academy)
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- 2 goals
- 5 shots on goal
Brooke Testa (Pittstown, NJ/Delaware Valley)
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- 7 saves
- Faced 21 shots
Up Next
Smith hosts Emmanuel on Wednesday, February 25 at 5:00pm.
About Smith Athletics: Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information log on to GoSmithBears.com and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram.
