PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Colgate field hockey program closed out the 2019 campaign with a 1-0 win against Bryant behind
Kali Williams' first career goal and
Anna Unger's first shutout of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
In a day of dominant Colgate offense, the Raiders didn't wait to strike as they scored just 4:26 into the game. Sophomore
Kali Williams split the defense and shot low with a swift swing for a 1-0 lead minutes into the game. Colgate quickly saw back-to-back corner opportunities, but the game remained at 1-0.
The first quarter featured a late breakaway by Bryant before sophomore goalkeeper
Anna Unger recorded a blocker save. The keeper's play was key as the Raiders stayed ahead with another pad save in the period.
The Raiders kept looking to increase their lead but was continually denied by the Bryant keeper. A redirected shot was blocked with a kick save after a corner midway through the second corner, before Colgate drew a trio of attacking penalty corners late in the quarter. Despite the Raiders best efforts, the Bryant keeper kept it a one-goal game with seven saves through the corners as the horn expired on the half.
Colgate's strong defensive game came into play again to hold off an early Bryant penalty corner in the third. The Bulldogs attempted to inch back with their third quarter offense featuring three shots on goal, but the Raiders were able to hold out behind effective defense in the circle.
As the team's entered the final 15:00 of action, there was more play across the entirety of the pitch as the Raiders looked to increase their lead and as Bryant attempted to answer Williams' goal. The Bulldogs pulled the goalie for an extra attacker in the final minutes, but Unger was able to withstand the pressure for the 1-0 win in the season finale.
STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
• With her early goal, sophomore
Kali Williams recorded her first career goal which stood as the game-winner.
• Sophomore goalkeeper
Anna Unger was crucial in the win, making seven saves for her second career shutout. Unger's first career shutout came last season in a 1-0 win in her first career start against Central Michigan (Aug. 24, 2018).
• Topping the Colgate offense was junior
Taylor Casamassa with seven attempted shots, landing three on goal. Her three shots on goal is a season-high, while the seven total shots is a career-best.
• Colgate's 10 shots on goal are the second-most this season, only trailing the 11 recorded against Towson (Sept. 8). The 20 total shots tied the second-best on the year, behind 27 against Saint Louis (Aug. 31), and 20 against Towson.
• With the win, the Raiders snapped a 12-game losing streak for their first win since a 4-3 overtime victory against Towson (Sept. 8).
• The Raiders conclude the 2019 season graduating three seniors in
Nicole Salamone,
Iona MacKillop, and
Maggie Lake.
THE BOTTOM LINE
• Colgate 1, Bryant 0
RECORD UPDATES
• Colgate completes the season with a 3-14 overall record and a 0-6 mark in the Patriot League.
• Bryant finishes its season at 2-17 overall, as well as 1-5 in the Northeast Conference.
HEAD COACH APRIL CORNELL'S TAKE
"Today's win against Bryant was a great way to finish the season, and I am really proud of how the team performed. Our attack had set some goals and came out of fire, with Kali [Williams]'s goal bringing a lot of energy and attacking speed. I am really happy for her to get her first goal because it has been something she has been working towards.
"We played a complete game from beginning to end and we remained calm. I love that we played for one another, supporting each other on all sides of the ball. Anna Unger played outstanding in goal and had some crucial saves that gave the team a ton of confidence."
FOLLOW THE RAIDERS
For more information on the Colgate field hockey program, follow the Raiders on Twitter @ColgateFH and on Instagram at Colgate_FH.
