In a historic year, the Colgate University women’s basketball team finished off the postseason in competition for a Women’s National Invitational Tournament (NWIT) title. After a historic regular season and Patriot League tournament, the Raiders’ run ended in the Super 16 with a loss to the University of Vermont.
The Raiders had a promising start with a 3-0 record. Continuing into the season, the team held a six-game winning streak through the winter recess — four of which were Patriot League opponents. In their stretch of success, the team secured a few notable wins, including a marginal 71-46 victory over Bucknell. After their chain of wins, the Raiders endured a streak of seven losses — all of which were Patriot League opponents. After their 61-64 loss to Loyola, the team went into a five-game winning streak. Notably, all five were Patriot League opponents. The Raiders do not lack skill or grit but consistency, and that is shown in their record this season. The Colgate women’s basketball team is either hot or cold, which has proved to be a detriment to their high potential.
Heading into the Patriot League playoffs, Colgate marked only one loss in their seven previous games — a seemingly promising trajectory toward a Patriot League title. In the Patriot League Quarterfinal, the Raiders earned a 69-64 victory over the United States Naval Academy (Navy). However, their victory campaign was cut short with a 40-52 loss to Boston University. The Patriot League tournament semifinal loss to Boston speaks to the team’s great potential but lack of consistency, as they beat Boston with a 37-point difference only a week prior.
Yet, the Raiders were granted the opportunity to continue their season with a bid to the 2024 Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT). The Colgate women’s basketball team recorded its first post-season win in 20 years and its first WNIT win in program history with a 64-50 victory over Albany on March 21.
Fifth-year Alexa Brodie spoke to the program’s future potential following their historical win against Albany.
“To be a part of the team that earned the program’s first-ever post-season tournament win in the WNIT is something none of us take lightly,” Brodie said. “And I’m sure we are all just as confident that this is only the beginning for Colgate Women’s Basketball.”
The newfound confidence from their post-season success is felt across the program. Senior forward Tiasia McMillan spoke about the light at the end of the tunnel for the Colgate women’s basketball program.
“Although we did not get the outcome we wanted to, this program has made many strides that will create a foundation for the future,” McMillan said.
Despite getting sent home early from the Patriot League Tournament, McMillan believes the season has gone well, and their improvement this season builds a strong foundation for her teammates. McMillan shared the team philosophy for success in the WNIT.
“The goal for the remainder of the season [was] to continue being us and playing to our best ability every opportunity we get to step on that court because it could be our last,”said McMillan.
Junior Taylor Golembiewski led the team with 402 points this season. Golembiewski recorded her 1000th career point in the team’s win against Navy. Despite her personal successes this season, Golembiewski expressed her team-centered mentality after their playoff defeat.
“The Patriot League tournament was disappointing, as we felt we had a great chance to win the whole thing this year,” Golembiewski said. “However, I am happy we are proving ourselves to be a tough team to beat year after year.”
The team faced-off against Providence College in a second-round WNIT matchup on Monday, March 25, beating Providence 54-41. The Raiders then advanced to the Super 16, facing Vermont where the game ended in a 55-65 loss.
