Box Score

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – It wasn't the way the 2013 Colgate softball senior class members wanted to end their final campaign but they definitely have a lot to be proud of: four trips to postseason play, all four of their names in the school records book, a regular season title and what they probably value the most – a set of sisters that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

The Raiders dropped a 5-3 decision to Bucknell here Friday afternoon in the quarterfinals of the Patriot League Tournament.

“It is always tough to end a season, and it is especially tough when we felt like we had some unfinished business,” head coach Melissa Finley said. “We fought hard and we just didn't come up with the plays when we needed them.”

Colgate (16-32) was led by Haley Fleming and Marisa Dowling, who both went 2-for-3 in the game. Fleming recorded a run and two RBIs, while Dowling added a run. Seniors Alana Dyson and Natalie Siedhof also notched hits on the day.

“I am incredibly proud of this group of girls and I want to congratulate Emmie (Dolfi), Courtney (O'Connell), Natalie (Seidhof) and Alana (Dyson) on fantastic careers,” Finley added.

In the game, Dyson tied for third all-time in runs with 120 after she scored one of the Raiders three runs in the game. She also ends her career first in at bats with 626, first in triples with 12, and second in hits with 207. With an RBI in Thursday's game against Lehigh, Siedhof ends her career tied for 10th in school history with 76. She finished one home run behind her sister for eighth all-time with 17 homers as well.

Fellow classmate Emmie Dolfi ends her career tied for sixth in home runs with 18, 13th in hits with 142, and sixth in at bats with 552. Pitcher Courtney O'Connell made 105 appearances in the circle throughout her four years and ends with an overall record of 37-42, placing her fifth all-time in wins. In 548 innings of work she struck out 234 batters. O'Connell sits tied for fourth in school history with 54 complete games and seventh in strikeouts with 234.

Bucknell (21-29) saw Mariah Midyette and Erin Cox both earn two hits, one run and an RBI. Four different Bison scored runs after Cydnee Sanders, Cassie Greenhawk, Kristin Zahn and Colie Escobar all reached home.

After two scoreless innings, it was Bucknell that was  the first to get on the scoreboard. Sanders bunted to third base to get a leadoff runner on base. After stealing second she advanced to third following a Zahn ground out. The next batter Cox singled to the shortstop, which allowed Sanders to score for the 1-0 advantage.

The Raiders tried to rally in the bottom of the third after Dowling singled to center field to start the inning. The next batter, Jennifer Martin, doubled to right field, advancing Dowling to third. Colgate was unable to convert with the runners in scoring position as the Bison recorded the next three outs.

Bucknell increased its advantage to 2-0 in the top of the fourth inning. Escobar lead off with a triple to center field. Following an out, Sandford grounded out to second, but not before Escobar touched home for the two-run margin.

In the bottom half of the inning, Colgate cut the Bison advantage to 2-1. Fleming singled and then advanced to second on an error, getting a Raider in scoring position. The next batter, Schlaefer, reached on an error that allowed Fleming to score.

The Bison extended their lead to 5-1 in the top of the fifth thanks to singles by Midyette and Young. With one out in the inning, Greenhawk bunted to get a runner on base. The next batter, Zahn, singled to the pitcher, advancing Greenhawk to second. A Cox ground out to the shortstop moved both runners up bases before Midyette's hit scored Greenhawk. Zahn was able to reach third on the play. Escobar loaded the bases when she earned a walk before Young singled, scoring Zahn and Midyette.

And back and forth it went as Colgate responded in the bottom half of the inning with two runs. Dowling started the inning by singling to right center. With two outs, Dyson then singled up the middle, advancing Dowling to second. The next batter, Fleming, doubled to left center scoring both base runners to cut the lead to 5-3.

Colgate was unable to find the needed runs to tie the game as they fell to the Bison in quarterfinals of the Patriot League Tournament.

Winning pitcher Dana Nielson went seven complete innings, allowing seven hits and three runs.

Starter Megan Carnase was handed the loss after giving up eight hits and five runs. She was able to strike out three batters during her 4.2 innings in the circle. Rookie Brigit Ieuter came into the game in relief, pitching 2.1 innings and allowing only two hits.

Patriot League Tournament's Most Valuable Player: Morgan Lashley, Army, So.

All-Tournament Team
Christian McKone, Army, Fr.
Rae Anne Payleitner, Army, So.
Amanda Nguyen, Army, Jr.
Rebecca Bliss, Lehigh, Sr.
Liz Lucas, Lehigh, Sr.
Morgan Decker, Lehigh, Fr.
Megan Carnase, Colgate, Fr.
Natalie Siedhof, Colgate, Sr.
Mariah Midyette, Bucknell, Fr.
Dana Nielsen, Bucknell, Fr.