WORCESTER, MASS. – Colgate opened its Patriot League season on a high note, defeating Holy Cross in straight sets (25-14, 25-18, 26-24).
 
Colgate took the first frame from Holy Cross 25-14 thanks to a 10-0 run in the middle of the set. The game was tied early, but the run allowed the Raiders to take a commanding 17-7 lead over the Crusaders. Jaelah Hutchison and Katie Stebbins each pitched in three kills during the stretch. Holy Cross would not get closer than eight points for the rest of the way. Colgate was led by Hutchison, who recorded four kills.
 
The Raiders got out to a 6-2 lead in the second frame and would not look back, defeating the Crusaders 25-18. Colgate trailed only once in the set, falling behind at 1-0. Holy Cross gained some momentum later in the set, closing the Raider lead to just a point at 17-16, but five errors by the Crusaders swung the momentum back in Colgate's favor. Kathleen Harris led the Raiders with three kills in the frame. 
 
The third set was a back-and-forth battle between the two squads and the Raiders lead for the majority of the time, but Holy Cross used a burst to take a late 24-21 over Colgate. The Raiders were not finished yet, using a 5-0 run of their own to close out the set and take the match. A kill by Hutchison and back-to-back blocks by Amanda Smith and Taylor Flaherty tied the frame at 24. Amanda Smith then came through with the huge kill to take the lead at 25-24. The Raiders then held on to take the set 26-24.
 
Harris and Hutchison led the Raider way with 10 kills apiece and Madison McAndrews finished the night with 17 digs.
 
Bottom Line
- Colgate 3, Holy Cross 0 (25-14, 25-18, 26-24)
 
Won-Lost Records
- The Raiders are now 5-7 on the year and 1-0 in Patriot League play.
- Holy Cross drops to 4-11 in the 2016 campaign and 0-2 in the conference.
 
Key Raider Info
- Harris recorded double-digit kills for the 11th time this season, registering 10 on the night.
- Hutchison logged 10 kills for the Raider offense as well.  
- Setters Molly Smith and Lauren Sanderson dished out 19 and 13 assists, respectively.
- McAndrews paced the defense with 17 digs.
 
Inside the Box Score
- The Raiders collected 39 kills on the night, grabbing a .217 attacking percentage, while Holy Cross finished with 28 kills and hit .120 on the night.
- Colgate racked up seven blocks at the net and logged 35 digs as a squad.
- Holy Cross registered six blocks and 29 digs on the night.
 
From the Source
- "This is a great way to start league play. Anytime we can win 3-0 on the road, it's a good night. It took us a while to figure out our block timing, but Amanda and Taylor had some huge blocks at the end of set 3 to clinch it.
- "Offensively, Molly and Jaelah connected well."
 
Up Next
- The Raiders close out the first weekend of Patriot League play when they take on Army West Point tomorrow at 4 p.m.
- The Knights swept Holy Cross on Tuesday and hold a 9-6 record this season.
- Live stats and live video will be available for the match.