BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Colgate saw its season come to an unfortunate end Thursday evening, falling to Lehigh 17-11 in the finale at Ulrich Sports Complex.
The Raiders entered the game needing a win and a loss by either Boston University or Holy Cross to secure a postseason tournament berth. Boston U beat American earlier in the day, and after the opening draw in Bethlehem Holy Cross rallied to beat Bucknell 22-21.
Despite fate not falling Colgate's way, the Raiders came out strong with Sarah Harding burying a shot from point-blank range less than a minute into the game. Kait Henning and Lucy Licata also pocketed goals in the opening frame but Lehigh used a 5-0 surge to build a 7-3 edge.
Devon Maillet opened the second-quarter scoring before back-to-back goals from Caroline Panzirer drew Colgate within 8-6. The Mountain Hawks capitalized on two free-position opportunities down the stretch and scored the final three goals to lead 11-6 at halftime.
The third quarter started once again with Maillet, who fired home on a rocket from the far side. Colgate closed within 13-10 on goals from Panzirer and Sarah Marcovici but the Mountain Hawks scored with five seconds left to regain a four-goal lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Colgate (4-11, 3-6 Patriot) scored first in each of the previous three quarters but Lehigh opened fourth-quarter scoring with a goal from Emma Fiore at the 13:34 mark. The Mountain Hawks scored the first three goals of the stanza and pulled away for the 17-11 final score.
FROM THE SOURCE
Head Coach Kathy Taylor
"I was very proud of the grit we showed tonight against a talented senior-heavy team. We took care of the ball well and we were 100 percent in our clears. While the wins have been too few this season I am confident that we have collectively grown in experience and performance which will bode well for next year when we take the field again together a year older and wiser."
NOTES
- Caroline Panzirer caps the season with a team-best 31 goals.
- Kyra Lucey paced the team in points (46) and assists (30) for the second straight season.
- Colgate's youth showcased throughout the season, with 122 of 150 total goals (85 percent) scored by either freshmen or sophomores.
- Two of Colgate's top four scorers were freshmen – Caroline Panzirer (31) and Molly Krestinski (18).
