CLEVELAND, Ohio (11/21/2006)—Colgate University junior Caitlin Gillard (Vestal, N.Y.) scored 19 points, pulled down 11 rebounds, and registered a career-high eight blocks, but it was not enough as the Raiders fell to Cleveland State 70-65 in non-conference women’s basketball action this evening. This is Gillard’s second double-double of the season.

 

The Raiders fall to 1-3 overall on the season, while Cleveland State improved to 1-3 overall.

 

Sophomore Gretchen Polinski (Mansfield, Ohio) added 13 points and eight rebounds for the Raiders. Nicole Thomas led all Cleveland State players with 17 points and seven rebounds.

 

The first half was a fast-paced affair, resulting in 72 points total and solid shooting from both the Raiders and Vikings. After trading baskets in the early minutes, Cleveland State used a 5-1 run to take its largest lead of the half at 14-9.

 

Colgate responded by scoring seven of the next nine points to tie the game at 16 points and built the advantage to six at 27-21 at the 7:14 mark. Gillard scored the Raiders’ next four points to make it 31-25, but the Vikings fought back with six straight points to even the score at 31 with 2:24 left in the half.

 

Tied at 33 with two minutes remaining in the first frame, Colgate put the clamps on the Viking offense and scored six points in the final 1:06 to head into the locker room ahead 39-33.

 

The Raiders shot 47.1 percent from the floor in the first half, while Cleveland State knocked down 41.2 percent. Colgate dominated the boards in the opening session, 25-14.

 

The second half was much of the same as Colgate pushed the lead to seven points 45-38, but the Vikings would not go away, tying the game at 57 points apiece with 6:13 left in the frame.

 

Cleveland State knocked down the next field goal to pull ahead for good at 59-57. The Raiders hung around, but were unable to knock down the shots down the stretch. The Vikings hit three straight from the charity stripe to secure the five-point victory.

 

Juniors Melanie Cargle (Trotwood, Ohio) added 12 points and seven rebounds and Shevorne Martin (Brooklyn, N.Y.)  had six points and a career-high 10 rebounds. The Raiders shot 37.5 percent for the game and just 26.7 in the second half. Colgate dominated the glass for the 40 minutes, 54-36.

 

Brittany Korth dropped in 14 points, knocking down 4-of-7 from long range and Chenara Wilson had 10. Angel Rogue provided a game-high seven assists and six points for the Vikings. Cleveland State shot 37.1 percent for the game.

 

Colgate returns to action on Nov. 25, at St. Bonaventure. The game is set to tip off at 1 p.m.