Colgate University Women’s Soccer is 3-3-4 so far this season. After impressive victories against Dartmouth College and Le Moyne College on Sept. 11 and 14, the team is hoping to continue building on this success as they get deeper into the season.
Less than two minutes into their match against Dartmouth, senior midfielder Ariana Bezanson found the back of the net off an assist from senior forward Ana Schremp. Bezanson has been a crucial piece and a large contributor to the team’s offensive success this season. In her sophomore and junior year, the midfielder led the team in goals, points, shots and shots on goal and is continuing to do so in her last year. Schremp has been a strong presence as well, closely trailing Bezanson in nearly every statistical category. Both players scored in the Raider’s game against Le Moyne, bringing the score to 2-0.
The Raiders are looking to strengthen other components of their offense and their defense this season. Goalkeeper Ella Poppinga has been another key member of the team’s success, consistently maintaining the Raider’s lead or preventing further loss.
After splitting time in between the sticks through much of the 2024 season, Poppinga has taken full control over the net and has really made the position her own. Poppinga is one of the Patriot League’s top three goalkeepers as of Sept. 21, with 51 saves and a save percentage of 79.4%.
Sophomore midfielder Jade Vieira shared the Raider’s goals for this season, as well as an overview of the team’s perception of their performance so far.
“So far this season has been very good, having a lot of potential to create results. Especially this year, our team is very deep and we have seen many contributions from several different players on and off the field,” Vieira said.
She also highlighted how the team’s dedication and persistence in practice pays off on game days.
“Since the start of the year, we are constantly open to making adjustments, whether it is physical adjustments on the field or shifts within our mentality and how to approach certain situations in practices and games. One trait that we carry well is adaptability. Even if we are not able to execute a change perfectly at the start, our work ethic and drive pushes us forward to look for a better result,” Vieira said.
Junior defender Darby Campbell agreed with Vieira about the team’s strong comradery.
“We are really starting to get our footing as a team and build up chemistry in the way we play on the field,” Campbell said. “As the season goes on I think things will become more fluid but [the season] has been really good and our potential is honestly the best it’s ever been.”
Viera also went on to highlight the team’s humility and dedication to their shared goals.
“For the rest of the season, we want to practice our core values and trust ourselves, keeping us grounded and able to bring results. We look to create balance through keeping a positive outlook, while wanting to constantly improve,” she said.
Despite their commitment and dedication, the Raiders’ 2024 season did not go how they had hoped. Finishing the season just 5-10-4 and with a Patriot League record of 3-3-3, Women’s Soccer was defeated 0-3 by Loyola University Maryland in the quarterfinal round of the Patriot League Tournament. However, the team does not intend to let last year’s playoff loss dictate this year’s performance.
Sophomore midfielder Bianca Howitt shared the Raiders’ goals and values as they begin Patriot League play this season.
“Our goals heading into the Patriot League is to take what we learned from non-conference games and carry it over to league play,” Howitt said. “As a team we have core values that include championship mentality, gratitude, consistency and family and we hope to embody all these values every practice and game this season.”
The team’s passion, drive and strength is sure to make this season one to watch.
Women’s Soccer takes on the U.S Naval Academy on Friday, Sept. 26 at 5pm. The Raiders hope to play a strong game and continue to employ the dedication and comradery that has led to their early-season success.
