HAMILTON — An early goal led La Salle to a 1-0 win over Colgate on Thursday evening at Beyer-Small '76 Field.
The Explorers got on the board in the ninth minute. Off a goal kick, Kelli McGroarty kicked a high ball up the field.
Emma Hickey came off her line, but Ricshya Walker got to it first as she tapped a header over Hickey that rolled into the goal to make it 1-0.
The Raiders had a pair of shots early on from
Ellie Stokes and
Maddie Cappillo, but neither could convert.
With 15 minutes remaining, the Raiders earned a corner kick.
Emily Amano played the ball perfectly to the head of
Nikki DiCaprio who made solid contact, but she could not quite finish it off. Just minutes later,
Ana Schremp had an opportunity for an open shot, but she put it just over the goal.
The Raiders had a free-kick opportunity with five minutes remaining in the first half, but they couldn't get a foot on it when the ball fell loose in the box.
In the 51st minute, Colgate was awarded a free kick just outside the box.
Ally Giovino played the ball into the box but the Raiders could not get anything going.
Colgate also had another corner kick opportunity early in the second, but they could not capitalize.
Giovino nearly equalized in the 54th minute when Schremp tapped the ball up to her and she hit a shot off a bounce that forced the Explorers' goalie to make a diving save.
With three minutes remaining, a give-and-go led to a shot in the box for
Ari Bezanson that was saved on a diving effort.
Colgate fired a total of 10 shots in the game, landing five on goal.
Emma Hickey finished with three saves in net for the Raiders.
FROM THE SOURCE
Head Coach Lyndse Hokanson
"Once again, disappointed in the result but proud of the effort of the group. That game left a lot to be desired in moments with a lot of physicality and some ugliness for the soccer loyalists, but I thought our group rose above it and continued to grind and try to do what we're asking. I look forward to the moment when it all clicks for us, because I think it's going to be special and I think it's going to be soon. Our group hasn't given up on our process, and that's what matters most. I thought the crowd was great tonight, we're lucky to get to play on nights like tonight. Looking forward to getting back after it again on Sunday here at home."
UP NEXT
Colgate remains home to host Canisius on Sunday. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m.
