The Colgate women’s soccer team had an exciting week clinching their first win of the regular season against UMass Lowell before travelling across the country to Mississippi State University. Despite the tough competition the Raiders have faced thus far this season, the team has been able to keep working hard to improve its overall record of 1-4.

On Thursday, August 31, the Raiders hosted the UMass Lowell River Hawks for a thrilling match here on campus. The Raiders managed to control possession for the majority of the first half, largely keeping the ball in their offensive third for the period. Despite a few strong opportunities on net, UMass Lowell was able to defend all ten of their shots during the period. 

The Raiders entered the second period eager for a goal. Senior offender Emily Crichlow headed a corner kick into the left-hand netting delivered by senior midfielder Eliza Doll to score the first goal of the season in the 79th minute of the game. With 11 minutes remaining, the Colgate defense and first-year goalkeeper Sophia Boggs were faced with aggression from the River Hawks. The defense stood strong while Boggs had a key save on a dangerous free kick change, keeping the River Hawks scoreless throughout the match. The Raiders were able to preserve their lead throughout the remainder of the game securing their first victory of the season, beating UMass Lowell 1-0.

On Sunday, September 3, the Raiders traveled all the way down to Mississippi State where they faced intense competition, suffering through a tough first half that set the tone for the remainder of the game. The Mississippi Bulldogs immediately scored just 40 seconds into the game and then pushed a tough break in the fourth minute of the game that resulted in an own goal by Colgate, giving the Bulldogs a comfortable 2-0 lead. The Bulldogs managed to secure three more goals before the end of the half. 

Answering back, sophomore forward Abby Sotomayor fired in a shot from the top of the box, burying it in the back of the net, and less than 40 seconds later scored the Raiders second goal of the game off a penalty kick in the 33rd minute leaving the Raiders only trailing the Bulldogs 5-2 as they began the second half. After an incredibly high-scoring first half, both defenses were able to settle and control the ball, holding off the opposing team in the second half. The Raiders had a few chances that they were unable to capitalize on, while the Bulldogs snuck in one last goal in the final five minutes of the game, walking away with a 6-2 win over the Raiders.

Senior midfielder and captain, Eliza Doll comments on the team’s progress thus far, “We’ve been playing some tough competition, but we have a really strong team and are looking to get two big wins against Syracuse and Albany this weekend to be 3-4 going into Patriot League play the weekend after that.” 

While the Raider result was disappointing, impressive achievements included sophomore goalkeeper Kelly Chiavaro’s six saves, and defending Patriot League Rookie of the Year Sotomayer’s four shots. 

Senior midfielder and captain Keely Lockwood reflected on the team’s rocky start.

“We haven’t been getting the results we want or believe that we have deserved, but it has only motivated us to work harder until we do,” Lockwood said.

Though the women suffered a tough loss to Mississippi State on Sunday, they look to build upon their win from Thursday against UMass Lowell as they move forward to take on Syracuse University and UAlbany September 7th and 10th, respectively.

Contact Dana Monz at [email protected].