Skidmore Spoils Williams' Home Opener, 46-42

WILLIAMSTOWN, MA - Williams (0-1, 0-0 NESCAC) fell to Skidmore (2-0, 0-0 Liberty League) on their home court, 46-42. 

Williams' 23 turnovers and a double-double from Skidmore's Julia Blanck pushed the Thoroughbreds to the win Saturday. Coach Pat Manning said, "I don't think we made good decisions… we didn't make sharp passes and sharp cuts" that the Ephs usually depend on.

Skidmore had a crucial 12-0 run from 8:43 to 3:52 in the third quarter, putting them up 26-19. Williams had 4 turnovers during this span, and Blanck had 9 of her 17 points in the 3rd. Skidmore won the 3rd quarter 22-11. 

Both defenses were locked in, as Skidmore shot 14-64 (21.9%) from the field and 3-17 (17.6%) from 3, while Williams shot 16-54 (29.6%) overall and made just 1 of their 11 3-pointers. Coach Manning said, "our defense overall was solid, but our offense has a ways to go."

Williams held Skidmore scoreless from 8:01 remaining in the 1st quarter to 7:59 in the second, good for more than a full quarter of action. The Ephs had an 11-0 run during this time period.

Maddy Mandyck was a force to be reckoned with, tallying a career high 6 blocks, including 3 in the first quarter alone. During the 4th quarter, she had 6 of her team high 13 points, trying to claw Williams back into the game. She brought the score to 42-44 when she hit 2 free throws with 1:43 to go, capping off a 12-4 run.

However, the Thoroughbreds put the game in the hands of Junior guard Kate McCarney, who drove to the bucket and iced the game with 28 seconds to go, bringing the lead to 4. Williams rushed the ball down the court, but their last hopes were dashed after a late turnover. 

Williams' interior game led to 2 opposing players fouling out, Julia Blanck and Claire Driscoll, but the Ephs couldn't capitalize, as they were ejected late in the game.

Other contributors for the Ephs included Maggie Meehan with 10 points, Devin Biesbrock, Brooke Krivickas, and Arianna Gerig, each with 5. Ryann Taylor provided energy off the bench, getting 3 steals, 4 rebounds and a dime to Krivickas. 

Skidmore's offense came from Blanck, McCarney - who had 12 points - and Cassie Davidson off the bench, who had 8. Defensively, Driscoll was solid, grabbing 7 rebounds, blocking 2 shots, and swiping the ball twice in 23 minutes.

Williams will have a chance to right the ship tomorrow, November 14th, against MCLA in Chandler Gym at 3:00 PM.