Colgate University’s women’s lacrosse team is finding its groove — and doing it at the perfect time. With three consecutive wins over Lafayette College, Boston University and Lehigh University in one week, the Raiders extended their win streak to five games, improving their season record to 9-6 (as of April 20). This squad is starting to look like a serious contender.
Senior Lucy Licata says the team is embracing the challenge as the postseason approaches.
“Our team is super excited for these next couple of high-stakes games,” Licata said. “Everything that we have worked on throughout the season is really hitting stride, and we are pumped to put it all together in these next couple of games knowing that playoffs are on the line.”
The Raiders have managed to close out multiple tight games during their win streak, something that wasn’t always guaranteed earlier in the season. Players point to their growth in staying mentally steady across all four quarters, especially in high-pressure moments; junior captain Meg Cole said that this shift in composure has been crucial.
“I think the biggest difference lately has been our ability to ride the rollercoaster of the game,” Cole said. “Earlier in the season, we had really high highs and really low lows — but now we’re learning how to stay steady and string together four full quarters.”
Much of this improvement, she noted, comes from the entire team’s diligence at practices.
“A big part of that comes from trusting our preparation,” Cole explained. “Our scout offense and defense have been huge for us — those units are the unsung heroes of our team. They push us every day in practice and make sure we’re ready for whatever the opponent throws at us.”
The Raiders’ preparation helped the team seal gritty one-goal wins over Bucknell University, Lafayette and Lehigh, where every possession counted in the final minutes.
“It was all about execution. We trusted our preparation and focused on doing the little things right. At that point in the game, it comes down to every player doing their job and sticking to the systems we’ve practiced,” Cole said.
Colgate’s recent winning streak has also been maintained through heightened energy and urgency, especially among upperclassmen. For Licata, the shift has been felt most in the locker room.
“The energy in the locker room has been strong and motivated throughout the season, but it has really picked up in the past couple of weeks,” Licata said. “Conference play brings a new sense of drive and enthusiasm because it is the culmination of all the practices and out-of-conference games. Especially for the seniors, this part of the season is the time that everyone pours all of their hustle, determination and energy into each and every game.”
The team also credits Head Coach Alyssa Guido in her first year at Colgate for building a competitive culture that empowers players to speak up, adjust and trust each other under pressure.
“Coach Guido has brought a great energy and leadership style,” Licata said. “The coaching staff has such an effective way of getting us through close games because they make strategic adjustments based on both what they see and what we communicate from on the field.”
The emotional investment is mutual. For Cole, seeing players grow into their roles, and doing so for each other and their coaches, has been one of the most meaningful parts of the Raider’s win streak.
“My proudest moment has really been seeing the growth of our team, not just in wins, but in confidence,” Cole said. “Watching my teammates step into bigger roles and play with more belief in themselves has been really special. And honestly, winning for our coaching staff, especially Guido, has meant a lot. This is her first stop as a head coach, and she brings so much passion and belief in this group. At this point, it’s not just about winning, it’s about winning for each other, ourselves and for Guido.”
Junior Ella Bishara echoed this sense of connection, noting how the team’s off-field bond has translated directly to their chemistry on the field.
“With just a few games left, our main focus is on ourselves, sharpening our play and preparing as best we can as a group,” Bishara said. “We’re continuing to learn and grow every day, and we’re looking forward to finishing the season strong […]. It might sound a little cliche, but the girls on this team are truly what make it so special. We have such a close-knit bond, and that connection carries over both on and off the field.”
With momentum, trust and belief carrying them forward, the Raiders are entering their final stretch of the regular season with one goal: finish strong and keep winning — together.
This article was written prior to the Raiders’ game against Army on April 23.
