Saratoga Springs, N.Y. -- After opening the 2024 campaign with an overtime victory Wednesday vs. Emerson, Bates College found themselves in a double OT situation Sunday at Skidmore as the Bobcats eventually succumbed to the host-Thoroughbreds, 11-10.
With the garnet and white owning an initial 3-2 lead after
Gray Doyle's goal at 14:18 in the second period, Skidmore responded with four unanswered to build a 6-3 advantage with 1:58 remaining before the break.
Both squads sent in two goals apiece resulting in an 8-5 Skidmore lead at 2:42 in the third. The Bobcats responded with its own 4-0 run to reclaim the lead (9-8) at 5:22 in the last frame of regulation. With Bates holding off the Thoroughbreds by a slim 10-9 margin after a
TJ Underhill goal at 2:59 of the fourth, Nicolo Mazzocca saved the day for Skidmore by netting the equalizer with just 1:34 left.
After a scoreless initial overtime session that had Skidmore out-shoot its guest, 2-1, it would be Jon Bouvier's day to shine for the Thoroughbreds as the junior from Hopkinton, Mass. fired in the unassisted game-winner with 2:52 left in the second OT frame.
Skidmore (3-0) escapes with its perfect record intact while the Bobcats fall even at 1-1.
Doyle, after kicking off his collegiate career with three goals and six assists in Wednesday's win, added another three tallies and a pair of helpers in Sunday's showing.
Wil Masterson, who netted the overtime game-winner vs. Emerson, contributed a goal and two assists vs. Skidmore.
Javi Werner deposited two goals for the Bobcats.
Miles Schmidt continues his strong start at the face-off as the first-year won 10 of his 16 attempts.
Mazzocca paced the victors with three goals in the win. Skidmore fired off 51 shots on the day, compared to 31 for Bates.
Avery Stamps (Sr.-Penn Valley, Pa.) earned the goalkeeping victory with nine saves over 65:08 for Skidmore.
Andrew Toland recorded a career-best 21 denials in the complete-game effort for the Bobcats.
Bates now prepares to open NESCAC action this Saturday as the Bobcats travel to Hamilton College for a 1:00 p.m. tilt.
