The women’s Lacrosse team will attempt to extend its season this weekend in the Patriot League Tournament at Holy Cross. The road to Worcester, however, has been anything but easy.

With a record of just 5-10 overall and 2-2 in the Patriot League entering last weekend’s games against Holy Cross and Quinnipiac, the Raiders had already clinched a berth in the Patriot League tournament. However, they looked to gain momentum and close a challenging regular season on a high note.

The picturesque weekend in Hamilton began with the Raiders hosting league-leading Holy Cross on Saturday. The Crusaders entered the game undefeated in league play. In fact, all four of Colgate’s Patriot League victories were double-digit victories. The Raiders clearly had their hands full.

The game began in a promising fashion for Colgate. The first-half was hard fought, as goals were at a premium. Senior Brianne Tierney and junior Jessica Van der Meulen scored two goals apiece in the first, while sophomore Sara Drexler was stellar in the net by allowing just two goals. When the halftime whistle blew, the Raiders clung to a tenuous 4-2 lead.

Unfortunately, that lead would be short-lived. Within the first five minutes of the second half, the Crusaders had stormed back with four unanswered goals to take a 6-4 lead. First-year Brie Morgan ended the scoreless drought and cut the lead to one, but that would be the last time the Raiders found the back of the net. Holy Cross outscored Colgate 9-1 in the second half to claim a commanding 11-5 victory.

All was not lost, however, for the Raiders. They proved that they can certainly play with the Crusaders, which is important given that the two squads will play in the first round of the Patriot League tournament on Holy Cross’ home field. This is not unfamiliar territory for either team; Holy Cross defeated Colgate 9-6 in the Patriot League championship last season in a game that was also played in Worcester.

With its playoff future secured, Colgate closed out its regular season with a victory against non-league foe Quinnipiac. After mustering only six goals a day earlier, the Raiders exploded offensively by finding the back of the net a lucky thirteen times against the Bobcats.

Tierney, after her two-goal performance against Holy Cross, made her Tyler’s Field finale memorable as she scored a career-high four goals in the victory. Junior Lindsey Pittard added a hat trick, while six others found the back of the net once.

Equally impressive was Sara Drexler’s play in goal. After struggling in the second half against Holy Cross, she responded with one of her finest performances of the season against Quinnipiac, allowing just six goals on fifteen shots. Colgate won 13-6.

Game time for Colgate’s rematch with Patriot League top-seed Holy Cross is Friday at 1 p.m. The championship game will be played Sunday at 1p.m.