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HAMILTON – Rookie Katie Bushee recorded her second career home run on Thursday afternoon but it couldn't help Colgate get past ACC foe and nearby rival Syracuse, as the Raiders fell 11-1.
 
Syracuse had built an 8-0 deficit between the teams but a Bushee leadoff homer in the sixth sparked a late Colgate rally. Unfortunately, the Raiders were unable to pull any closer as they saw the Orange secure the win with three more runs in the seventh.
 
"They came ready to play and I thought we came out flat, which was disappointing to see," Colgate head coach Melissa Finley said. "It was kind of one of those mid-week games that we let get away from us. We let the other team take control and we learned pretty quickly that we had to step up our play."
 
Colgate (9-21) received a team-high performance from Bushee, who went 2-for-4 on the day. Catcher Alyssa Chaulklin added a hit to the Raiders total, while pinch hitter Alessandra Moore found the gap as well to make it four Colgate hits in the game.
 
"Katie (Bushee) had a great day for us," Finley said. "She got out during her first at bat but made the adjustment. That is something we've been talking with our hitters about from day one. She brings the same hard work mentality with her every single day and it was nice to see her make the adjustments needed and play her game today."
 
Syracuse (20-19) was led by Shirley Daniels, who finished the day going 2-for-2 with three runs, two RBIs, and two walks. Corinne Ozanne added three hits, one run and two RBIs in her five at bats, while Nicole Lundstrom and Sydney O'Hara chipped in two hits.
 
The Orange jumped out to an early 2-0 edge after hitting two home runs in the first. They increased their advantage over the course of the next five innings to take a 8-0 lead into the bottom of the sixth.
 
During those innings, Syracuse pitcher Christina Clermont earned a career-high 12 strikeouts.
 
But Bushee finally got the Raiders on the board following a homer to center field in the sixth. Colgate continued the inning when Anna Olson reached base after getting hit by a pitch with two out, but the Orange were able to record the final out of the inning not conceding anymore runs.
 
Syracuse quickly answered in the top of the seventh with three more runs, which ultimately secured the victory.

Clermont pitched a complete game allowing just one run on four hits. Brigit Ieuter registered the loss for the Raiders after giving up seven hits and six runs during her four innings of work. Megan Carnase and Gillian Murray came in for relief pitching two and one innings, respectively. Carnase allowed three hits and two runs while Murray gave up two hits and three runs.
 
Colgate has a quick turnaround as it plays host to Patriot League newcomer Boston U. for a three-game series beginning Saturday at 12 p.m.