Needing a victory against host Navy to make the Patriot League Tournament, women’s soccer fought hard but lost their last match of the season, 2-1 on Saturday.

The match began with Navy in control. The Midshipmen had two shots on goal in the first six minutes and kept the pressure on the Raiders early. In the 20th minute, Navy’s Brigitte Fox scored her twelfth goal of the season after she put in a 10-foot shot past senior goalkeeper Carly Sousa. The Raiders quickly responded by pushing forward in search of the equalizer. Colgate almost got it in the 26th minute when senior Franny Iacuzzi had an opportunity, but her shot went just wide. The first half ended that way, but the Midshipmen didn’t have to wait long in the second half to double their score. Just a minute after the first whistle, Fox scored her 13th goal of the season to make the score, 2-0. Colgate didn’t give up and created a lot of scoring opportunities, the first of which was a direct kick by Iacuzzi that went straight into the hands of goalkeeper Lizzie Barnes. Colgate managed to close the gap when first-year Anna Baldwin scored her first career goal in the 67th minute. The final minutes were really intense, with the Raiders missing several opportunities to tie the game. Sophomore Jessica Bitsack and sophomore Liz Polido both had their chances, with Polido’s attempt hitting the crossbar. Unfortunately, Colgate never got that equalizer, and the match ended in Navy’s favor. The Midshipmen clinched a Patriot League Tournament berth with the win.

With their high expectations heading into the year, Coach Kathy Brawn was left looking for answers with the way the season ended.

“It’s certainly a disappointing loss,” she said. “Based on the chemistry and talent on the team, it felt premature.”

Colgate finished its season with a 10-8-1 overall record and a 3-4 mark in the Patriot League. Although the team is disappointed with the season’s results, congratulations need to be delivered to Iacuzzi, sophomore midfielder Jillian Arnault and Bitsack. Iacuzzi and Arnault made the all-Patriot League first team, while Bitsack grabbed a spot on the second team.

“Now we get ready for a good solid spring season and for next fall,” Brawn concluded optimistically.