BOSTON - The Raiders fell in their regular season finale to Boston University, 1-0, at Nickerson Field on Wednesday night.
Colgate finished the regular season with a 6-2-1 record in Patriot League play and earned the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Patriot League tournament.Â
COACH HOKANSON'S COMMENTS
"Obviously, we came up a little short of where we wanted to be. It's a very good BU team and it was exactly what we thought, a chess match. There were moments that we were better and there were moments that they were better and they found a way to capitalize and we didn't. ?So ultimately that's the difference in the game, but I'm really proud of the effort.Â
"[The first round bye is] huge in terms of just recovering, being able to rest and prepare for an opponent. We'll favor the rest and get prepared as best we can for whomever has to come our way."
HOW IT HAPPENED
The first half saw notable defensive plays from both sides. Colgate's attack, led by shots from Molly Richards and Lydia Thornton, tested the Terriers' goalkeeper, Bridget Carr, but did not break through.
Boston's offensive efforts were met with equal resistance, as Poppinga recorded multiple saves, including a crucial stop against Shayla Brown early in the half. Despite several corner kicks and shots from both teams, the first half concluded with neither team finding the back of the net, leaving the score level at 0-0.
The second half began with BU applying pressure, which resulted in a goal by Margy Porta in the 59th minute, assisted by Olivia Avellar and Morgan Weaver. Colgate's defense, led by Poppinga, withstood numerous attempts, with Poppinga making multiple key saves to keep the game within reach.
Despite Colgate's efforts to respond offensively, including shots from Richards and Ava McCloskey, they were unable to find the back of the net. The half ended with Carr denying Colgate's scoring opportunities, maintaining BU's 1-0 lead at the final whistle.
GAME NOTES
- The Raiders earned the No. 2 seed which is their highest finish since 2018.
- Josie Tunney and Ari Bezanson finished the regular season joint top scorers for the Raiders with six goals.
- Ella Poppinga made nine saves in net for Colgate.
- Ava McCloskey led the team in shots with three.
UP NEXT
Colgate (9-5-4, 6-2-1 Patriot) awaits the results of the Patriot League Tournament First Round that will take place on Sunday. The Raiders will take on the highest remaining seed on Thursday, Nov. 6 at Beyer-Small '76 Field.
