SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Defending Liberty League Champion Skidmore College used a full-court press for three quarters and dispatched a depleted Bard squad, 74-55, in the Liberty League opener for both teams on Saturday.

The Thoroughbreds (6-3, 1-0 Liberty League) raced out to a 19-7 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. They forced 15 turnovers in the first half to build a 38-22 halftime lead, then kept the pressure on through the third quarter as the lead grew to 24.

The hosts used all 14 players - Bard dressed just six.

Skidmore got 15 points, six rebounds and four steals from sophomore Kelly Donnelly (Wynantskill, NY).

The Raptors (5-5, 0-1 LL) got 22 points from Bianka Bell, and 15 points, 21 rebounds and four steals from Tytravia Riley. Alexis Akingbade was effective picking up extra minutes, finishing with eight points and nine rebounds.

Bard's six players will have to get their rest; the Raptors play at Union on Sunday afternoon at 2. Follow that game via Live Stats and Live Video right here.