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HAMILTON, N.Y. (12/3/10) – The Colgate women's basketball team fought its way back from a 13-point deficit throughout most of the game, to defeat Loyola-Chicago, 57-55, Friday night at Cotterell Court.

Senior Tayler Wejnert (Ramsey, N.J.) and sophomore Jhazmine Lynch (San Diego, Calif.) led the Raiders with a team-high 13 points and six rebounds each, while senior Sami Kozlowski (New Market, Md.) contributed 12 points. Senior Krista Moser (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) led the team in rebounds with 13, collecting her 409th career rebound.

Colgate (4-5) got off to a good start, opening scoring just ten seconds into the first half. However, as the game progressed, it was Loyola that found its groove, going on a 21-5 run to take the lead and increase the scoring margin to 14 points midway though the half. The Raiders continued to play aggressively but could not take the lid off their basket as they struggled to find the points they desperately needed, and by half time the Ramblers held a 30-18 advantage.

The second half was a completely different game from the first for the Raiders. Where most teams would crumble under the pressure of a large scoring deficit, Colgate rose to the occasion once again. The Raiders jumped off to a quick start, making some much-needed baskets to get their scoring momentum going once again. However, with a victory in site, Loyola matched the Raiders, trading baskets with Colgate to maintain its comfortable lead. A little discouraged, the Raiders decided to turn up the heat, outhustling their opponent and forcing Loyola to make mistakes and give up a 12-5 run that reduced its lead to 50-47 at the five-minute mark.

With just a few minutes left to play, the game became more intense. Both teams were fully aware that the game could go either way and would come down to playing smart. Having been in a similar situation twice before, Colgate dug deep once again, pulling out a steal and a three-pointer to take the 52-50 lead with just four minutes left. The Ramblers then answered back with two solid baskets and a free throw to reclaim a three-point lead. Unfortunately for Loyola, the scoring marging proved to be insufficient, with the Raiders finding a much-needed three-point basket from Patriot League/Anaconda player of the Week, Lynch, who followed her shot with a steal and a layup to give the Raiders the 57-55 win.

“I am really proud of this team,” stated head coach Pam Bass. “ The comeback was awesome and really showed our fight. It is great putting back-to-back wins together. We will enjoy our win tonight as we prepare for our next game against St. Francis.”

Colgate will face St. Francis (N.Y.) next on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. on Cotterell Court.