SCHENECTADY, NY – Sophomore defender Whitney Bickford scored her first goal of the season in the 48^th minute to lead No. 17 women's soccer (7-0, 1-0 Liberty League) to a 1-0 win over Skidmore (1-5, 0-1 Liberty League) at College Park in the Liberty League opener for both teams.

Senior goalkeeper Kayla Marti made three saves to earn her fifth shutout of the season, and fourth in a row. Union has won seven straight games to open the regular season for the first time since 2007.

Both teams traded chances in an exciting first half of soccer, with the Dutchwomen generating the majority of opportunities.  Sophomore forward Mollie Gilchrist had the best of the scoring chances for Union.

Gilchrist could not get off a clean shot in the 16^th minute on a clear break to the net and had another chance in the 18^th minute, but her shot off a Melissa Mansfield cross went wide.

Skidmore midfielder Kelsey Yam gave Union a scare in the 38^th minute, when her chip from long distance hit off the crossbar. Christine Belloti's follow up shot was blocked and Marti gathered a long shot to end the Skidmore threat.

Early in the second half, Union capitalized on a long throw-in into the box by junior defender Caroline Gorka. The throw bounced to Melissa Mansfield, whose initial shot was blocked, but the ball bounced to Bickford, who fired a shot into the top netting from six yards out at 47:06 to give Union a 1-0 lead.

Senior midfielder Michaela Katz nearly made it 2-0 Union in the 58th minute, but her shot from 20 yards was tipped by Skidmore goalie Gab Lawrence (10 saves) off the crossbar and over the net.

Skidmore's best chance to tie game came in the closing minutes, as freshman Arena Manning nearly stuffed a shot past Marti in 86^th minute, but the Union goalkeeper closed the angle quickly for her best stop of the night.

Union outshot Skidmore 20-8 for the contest, including an 11-3 advantage in shots on net. The Dutchwomen will travel to RIT on Saturday for a 2:00 p.m. contest.