The women’s soccer team returned home this weekend after a 2-1 loss to host their long-standing rivals, Syracuse University. Last season, after Syracuse fell 1-0 to the Raiders in an incredibly well fought game, the Orange showed up on Sunday determined to seek revenge and leave victoriously. Although the Colgate women knew that this was going to be a challenging game, they came feeling prepared and confident in their abilities. 

As the game started, it was apparent that both teams were very well matched in physicality and aggression, as the first half was dominated by back and forth soccer. However, in the second half Syracuse started gaining steam and scored on a shot outside of the 18-yard box that senior goalie Erin Cummings made an incredible, yet unsuccessful attempt to stop. Syracuse scored again off of a cross outside the box in the 73rd minute, leading to a two-goal advantage. 

Despite the deficit the Raiders were not discouraged and continued to play hard.  With ten minutes left in the game, junior forward Caroline Parsons got knocked down in the box.  Senior captain Jenna Panepinto capitalized on this opportunity by ripping the penalty kick into the right corner of the net. Panepinto is not only a prominent player for the Raiders, but a successful leader who believes in leading by example. She tries to maintain the same amount of integrity, respect, and hard work that she expects from her teammates. Her goal ignited a spark in the Raiders’ energy and encouraged them to keep pushing. Parsons said everyone had the mentality that they were going to do their part and work as hard as possible to tie up the game.  However, they were sadly unable to find the equalizer.

Although the team did not receive the outcome they hoped for, their attitudes remain positive. Junior Sophie Lederer believed that overall her team had a great game, which had beautiful moments that just were not translated into the goals they needed.  

“We found passion and drive during the most tiring points of the game, which is really reassuring…being knowing we are capable is one of the most important parts of the game and we found that,” junior forward Emily Pullen said.

“Now we are hoping to take all of these experiences, wins and losses, into the next phase of the season as we start patriot league play,” Lederer said looking forward. 

The teams feels prepared heading into their first Patriot League game next Saturday against American University.