In a battle between two of the nation's top teams, fourth-ranked Middlebury came from behind to pick up a 2-1 win over #11 Skidmore (5-3) on Kohn Field. The Panthers (5-1) return to action on Saturday when they host Colby in a NESCAC contest at 12:00 p.m., while Skidmore visits Union.

Middlebury had an opportunity on a penalty corner in the 15th minute, but hard shots from the outside by Shannon Hutteman and Pam Schulman were both turned away by Skidmore keeper Elizabeth Coughlin.

Skidmore got on the board on its first shot of the game at the 19:07 mark of the first half. Dani DeGregory's centering pass from the right side was nearly tipped, before Gabby Hyman stopped the ball and ripped a shot into the back of the cage. The tally was the sixth of the season for Hyman.

Middlebury tied the game just over seven minutes later on the second of the season from Bridget Instrum. Schulman's initial effort was blocked, before Instrum tapped it in from the doorstep.

The game remained at 1-1 into the second half, when Skidmore nearly went on top in the 48th minute. DeGregory had a good look at the goal, but her shot just missed the cage and went wide left after hitting the post.

The game-winning goal came at the 55:19 mark, when Molly Freeman netted her second of the year. After Instrum sent the ball in from the right side, Annie Leonard knocked it toward the net where Freeman tipped it in for the 2-1 advantage.

Middlebury nearly added to its lead in the 62nd minute, but Leonard's high backhanded flip shot hit the cross bar. Skidmore had the ball in the Middlebury end for the final 90 seconds, but could not earn a penalty corner or shot on goal.

Emily Miller was forced to make no saves en route to the win as Middlebury held a 15-2 shots advantage in the contest. Coughlin finished with four stops for the Thoroughbreds.