Box Score

SCHENECTADY, NY -- The Union College women's basketball team lost its Liberty League opener to Skidmore, 53-51, on Tuesday night at the Viniar Center. Junior forward Lauren McCormick led Union (2-9) with 12 points, while Skidmore (9-2) was paced by senior guard Sharlyn Harper with 23 points.

The Thoroughbreds used its outside game to earn its ninth victory of the season, going 10-of-31 from behind the arc and back-to-back three-pointers put them ahead 51-47 with just 1:50 remaining in the game. After trailing for the majority of the first half, Skidmore used a 10-1 run midway through the second half to grab its first lead of the game. Harper contributed five points during the run.

Not to be outdone, Union used a seven-point run with threes from sophomore guard Mary Donohue and junior guard Leah Pepe to make it 40-40 at 8:32. Skidmore reestablished a 45-40 lead before Union used six-straight free throws to take a one point advantage with 2:58 remaining.

Donohue and Pepe each finished the game with eight points and Pepe pulled down a team-high eight boards.

For the visitors, sophomore guard Megan Gaugler added nine points, but it was Harper leading the way with four steals and five rebounds.

The Dutchwomen never trailed in the opening half, but the Thoroughbreds kept Union close, not allowing them to gain a lead larger than four points. Senior forward Megan Clark paced Union in the first half with seven points (3-6), including a three-pointer that put the Dutchwomen up, 19-15, with 5:34 remaining in the half.

Skidmore followed with baskets by Amber Kinsey and Harper at 5:24 and 4:50, but Clark reclaimed the lead for Union with a move to the hoop at 3:10. The Thoroughbreds answered at 1:49, making it 21-21, but the Dutchwomen responded with a 4-0 to end the half and put the score 25-21 at the half.

Union returns to action when Hamilton comes to the Viniar Center for a 6 p.m., Liberty League contest on Friday, Jan. 15.