NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. - Colgate continued its unbeaten ways with a 4-3 decision here Friday afternoon over Merrimack.

Head coach Greg Fargo has his team off to a strong start after sophomore Breanne Wilson-Bennett netted the game-winner with less than three minutes remaining to keep the Raiders undefeated. Three other Colgate student-athletes tallied goals in the game with first-year Shae Labbe opening things up with the contest's only tally of the first period. Merrimack grabbed two quick goals early in the middle frame but a marker from Lauren Wildfang at 11:28 knotted the score at 2-all.

Again, Merrimack pulled ahead with a goal early in the final frame but Annika Zalewski tied the game with her fourth goal of the year, setting things up for Wilson-Bennett's game-winner in 17:13 into the period.

First-year Julia Vandyk got her debut starting nod between the pipes for the Raiders and earned her first career win with the victory.

Colgate continues its unbeaten streak as they are now 4-0-1 on the year. It's the Raiders' best start since 2003-04, when they also began the season 4-0-1.

The opening period saw Labbe register her fourth goal of the season. Captain Cat Quiron started the drive with a pass to Olivia Zafuto, who then crossed it over to Labbe. The Calgary, Alberta, native had a clear shot on net that rocketed past Warriors goaltender Samantha Ridgewell.

Merrimack's Katelyn Rae came out blazing in the second period, tallying quick two goals to put her team up 2-1 early in the frame. For her first goal, she snuck the puck just through the pads of Vandyk. Then less than three minutes later, Rae scored again, short-handed and unassisted.

Colgate continued to skate hard, though, and it paid off with sophomore Wildfang finding the equalizer with seven minutes remaining in the period. Jessie Eldridge made a perfect cross to Wildfang, who redirected the puck into the back of the open net. Wilson-Bennett had the secondary assist on the play.

Four minutes into the final period, the Warriors' went back up by one on a goal from Jackie Pieper.

Zalewski answered for Colgate just one minute later, tying the game at 3-3. Nicole Gass got the puck over to Wildfang, who fired a hard shot on target. Zalewski got a piece of the puck, redirecting it and causing it to slide past the leg of Ridgewell.

The Colgate offense picked up the pace in the remaining minutes, while the defense held the Warriors to only one shot on goal in the frame.

Wilson-Bennett's marker came as a relief to the Raiders as they finished the game outshooting Merrimack 31-11. Eldridge and Bailey Larson added the assists.

Saturday brings another contest at Merrimack, where the Raiders look to sweep the weekend road trip. Game time is set for 2 p.m. Live video and stats will be available.

Bottom Line
• Colgate 4, Merrimack 3

Won-Lost Records
• The Raiders improve to 4-0-1.
• The Warriors shift to 1-6-0.
 
Key Raider Info
• Labbe, Wildfang, Zalewski, and Wilson-Bennett tallied one goal each in the contest.
• This is the Raiders' best start since 2003-04 when they also began 4-0-1.
• Wildfang, Wilson-Bennett, and Eldridge all had two points in the contest. Six others also recorded at least one point.
 
Raider Goals
• 1st period: Labbe, assists to Zafuto and Quirion.
• 2nd period: Wildfang, assists by Eldridge and Wilson-Bennett.
• 3rd period: Zalewski, assists to Wildfang and Gass; Wilson-Bennett, assists by Eldridge and Larson.
 
Facts & Figures
• Colgate was 0-for-2 on the power play, while Merrimack was 1-for-2.
• The Raiders had the huge shot advantage at 31-11.
• Gass led in shots with four. Four other Raiders recorded at least three shots each.
• Vandyk made eight saves in net.

From The Source
• Head coach Greg Fargo (on his thoughts from the game) "Merrimack played really hard today. They're a very tough team. Fortunately we were able to find a way to win. We stuck to our game plan and responded after giving up the lead."

"We were happy to get the road win."

Up Next
• The Raiders are back in action Saturday for the final contest of this two-game set with Merrimack.
• Puck drop is set for 2 p.m. at Lawler Rink.
• Live stats and video will be available at the start of the game.