November 5, 2001

GENEVA, N.Y.--The Skidmore College field hockey team made the most of a first half goal to hold off William Smith College 1-0. With the win the Thoroughbreds make their first trip to the NCAA Semifinals.

The Herons held the edge in play in the first half, outshooting Skidmore 12-6 and holding an 8-2 advantage in penalty corners. Junior goalie Kristine Osmond (Weston/Westford, Mass.) kept the Thoroughbreds in the game early making several key saves. William Smith sophomore goalie Jessica Kulesa (Garden City/Garden City, N.Y.) made the most of her first chance stuffing a break away attempt by junior forward Taryn Howard (Littleton/Littleton, N.H.). Skidmore finally broke through at the 18:01 mark when junior midfielder Jackie Flanagan (Salem/Shushan, N.Y.) redirected a shot from sophomore midfielder Colleen Barber (Fort Ann/Fort Ann, N.Y.) into the goal for the eventual game-winner. Later in the half, senior midfielder Nicky Livingston (Whitney Point/Whitney Point, N.Y.) fired a shot off the post that nearly tied the game.

In the second half, the Thoroughbreds turned up the pressure looking to extend their lead, but were frustrated by Kulesa. The Heron goalkeeper stopped Howard on a second break away and several more Skidmore chances through traffic. Osmond was equally impressive, turning aside every William Smith chance. The Herons picked up their play in the final five minutes earning both of their two penalty corners of the half. With less than two minutes remaining, Osmond stopped a blast from senior forward Jackie Hall (Berkshire School/Newport, R.I.). The Herons got one final chance on a corner with no time left. This time Hall's shot clanged off the post as the Thoroughbreds held on for the 1-0 victory.

In goal, Kulesa finished with eight saves for William Smith. Osmond stopped 17 shots for Skidmore.

After taking a one-goal lead into half time Thoroughbred Head Coach Beth Hallenbeck told her team to stay on top of their game.

"I told them to stay focused and maintain their intensity for the rest of the game," said Hallenbeck. "We knew William Smith would be very hungry."

Hallenbeck also praised her goalkeeper. "Kristine Osmond came up big for us today. She's come up big in big games all season."

Heron Head Coach Sally Scatton was not disappointed with her team's effort.

"We're just a little frustrated. You play well and you expect to be rewarded," said Scatton. "It's just the nature of the game."

Scatton was also very happy with the play of her seniors and her goalkeeper.

"Our seniors all played really well, and Jess Kulesa has been a brick wall for us all season."

The Herons end their season at 14-4, while Skidmore (15-2) will face SUNY Cortland (17-2) in the NCAA Semifinals at Springfield College on Nov. 10.

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