The Colgate women’s lacrosse team has officially started their season with their first game on the road. After a 7-8 season last year, the Raiders hope to improve their record from last season and finish above .500. The Raiders put up 11 goals but fell in the end to the University of Vermont by a 14-11 margin.

After hosting the Catamounts last year as their season opener, it was the Raiders’ turn to travel to Burlington. The Catamounts got out to a quick 2-0 lead but did not let this lead last very long. Just two minutes after Vermont achieved their lead, the Raiders scored their first goal of the season. In a span of just two minutes and 24 seconds, the Raiders scored five times, with senior captain Alison Flood scoring two of her three goals of the game.

Also pitching in for the Raiders were junior midfielder Megan Ark, senior captain Monica White and sophomore attacker Taylor Fischer. After close to 10 minutes of scoreless play, it was the Catamounts turn to take advantage and regain the lead. The Catamounts rattled off four straight goals in a three-minute span, taking back the lead at 6-5 with 12 minutes remaining.

With just under 10 minutes left in the half, Fischer scored her second goal of the game, tying up the game at six. A minute later, the Catamounts regained the lead, but not for long; White scored her second goal of the game, evening up the score off the assist from sophomore midfielder Kristen Norden.

The Catamounts ended the first half on a strong note, scoring three goals in the final four minutes of play to head into halftime with a sizable lead.

The Raiders came out strong in the second half, however, and showed that they would not go down without a fight. Ark added her second and third goals of the game, with the latter coming on the man-advantage to pull the Raiders within one. From there, however, the Catamounts were able to adjust their defensive strategy, holding the Raiders scoreless for the next 15 minutes of the contest. In those 15 minutes, Vermont was able to get on the board three times, extending their lead to 13-9.

The Raiders readjusted in the final 15 minutes of the half, as Ark tallied her fourth and Flood her third, pulling the Raiders within two goals. The Catamounts regrouped again, however, and held the Raiders for the final five minutes. Scoring one final goal on the man-advantage with just over a minute remaining, the Catamounts took the victory over the Raiders in a 14-11 decision.

In goal for the Raiders was junior Jennie Berglin, who has started in 28 of the last 31 games for Colgate. Berglin made 12 saves on the day against a tough Catamounts attack and hopes to return to the form that got her All-Patriot League First Team in her first year.

The Raiders regroup this weekend as they come home to Tyler’s Field this Saturday at 1 p.m. to take on Hofstra and look to grab their first victory of the season.

Contact Spencer Serling at [email protected].