SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The Union College field hockey team fought hard against the top team in the Liberty League standings, but the Dutchwomen came up just short in a tough 2-1 loss to Skidmore College on Sunday afternoon at a cool and rainy Frank Bailey Field at Bertagna-Class of 1985 Stadium.
 
Union (5-8, 1-4 Liberty League) more than held its own against the Thoroughbreds, finishing just slightly behind in shots by a 15-14 margin. The Dutchwomen dominated play in the final frame, holding a 9-2 edge in shots and taking six penalty corners as they tried desperately to knot the score.
 
The game did not start off well for the home team, as Gabriella Vaccaro scored off a rebound just 5:32 into the contest to give Skidmore (10-6, 5-0 Liberty League) an early lead. The visitors held a 5-1 edge in shots after 15 minutes, but three saves by junior Heather Poisson and a defensive save from freshman Eliza Munns limited the damage.
 
Union managed only two shots in the second quarter, but it made the shots count as sophomore Sydney Walters tipped home a pass from senior Charlotte Leyland at the back post off a penalty corner to even the score. The goal was the first collegiate tally for Walters and gave Leyland her fourth helper of the season.
 
Skidmore was held to just two shots in the third quarter, but Morgan Sickels just managed to finesse the ball over the goal line off a penalty corner to put the visitors up by a goal at the end of the 42nd minute. Union attempted nine shots in the final 15 minutes, earned six penalty corners and even pulled Poisson for an extra attacker over the final 2:35, but the Dutchwomen could not get the elusive game-tying goal.

Poisson finished the afternoon with nine saves, while Munns added a pair of defensive saves for the home team.
 
Union will close out the road portion of its schedule on Friday with a 5 p.m. matchup at the University of Rochester.