Potsdam, NY – Despite a late run that saw the team come within a single possession of a full comeback, the Clarkson University Women’s Basketball team dropped a 52-48 decision to Skidmore in the conference home opener Friday night.

The Golden Knights dropped their third straight Liberty League game, falling to 3-10 overall and 0-3 in conference contests, while Skidmore evened its overall mark at 7-7 and moved to 3-1 in the Liberty League. Clarkson looks to get back on the winning track on Saturday against Union College.

Both teams played a clean game in the opening minutes with few fouls and even fewer turnovers. However, a fast start offensively from both squads slowed in the middle moments before the two teams began to start banging 3-point field goals from various sports on the floor. Clarkson had a narrow 25-23 lead after a Lauren Pluchino (Liverpool, NY) make with just three minutes remaining in the first half, but the Knights were scoreless for the final moments as Skidmore went on an 8-0 run over the next two minutes to close out the period with a six-point advantage.

Junior Chrissy Scanlon (Queensbury, NY) nearly recorded a double-double in the first 20 minutes, scoring eight points to go along with her nine rebounds. Pluchino also added eight points on 3-for-4 shooting off the bench. For Skidmore, Jessie Kavana matched Pluchino, scoring eight points off the bench, but recording her total in just seven minutes.

Skidmore continued its run to begin the second half, and the Knights found themselves down by double digits in the early going. It wasn’t until the waning moments that Clarkson was able to get back into the contest, converting its free throws and easy layups to pull within a basket 50-48 with just under a minute remaining. While Skidmore made a pair of free throws down the stretch, the Knights couldn’t convert their chances to complete the comeback.

Scanlon finished with 17 points on 7-for-11 shooting and grabbed 13 rebounds. Courtney Green (Rochester, NY) added eight points and five rebounds, and Sierra Noles (Averill Park, NY) chipped in four points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals.

For Skidmore, Logan Frederick and Michaela Ottati each tossed in 10 points to lead a balanced effort for the Thoroughbreds.