HAMILTON – Colgate used a fast start to build an early lead but Binghamton's 7-0 run in the second half helped the visitors hold on for a narrow 16-15 decision on Wednesday at Andy Kerr Stadium.
COACH TAYLOR'S QUOTE
"I was proud of the way our team competed tonight. The offense came alive with the addition of a few new players and changing some player roles. It was exciting to see our transition game pick up speed giving us the ability to play fast at different points in the game. We knew Binghamton would play hard to the end and unfortunately we made some mistakes with the lead that gave them opportunities to get back in the game.
"It is unfortunate that a coaching mistake caused us to play down a player in the closing minute and a half, limiting our opportunity to tie it up. I take full responsibility for having an extra player on the field giving Binghamton the ball to kill the game clock. It was a costly mistake at a critical juncture in the game. We will get better and move on."
HOW IT HAPPENED
The game was fast and furious from the start. Goals from Kyra Lucey, Ella Bishara, and Lucy Licata helped Colgate establish a 3-1 lead four minutes into the game. It was tied at 6-6 when the Raiders scored five of the next six tallies to carry an 11-7 lead into the early stages of the second half.
Bishara, Licata, Lucey, Kait Henning, and Devon Maillet fueled Colgate's big run. Lucey's third goal of the night capped Colgate's 7-2 burst that extended its lead to 13-8 with 7:20 remaining in the game.
Unfortunately Binghamton scored the final five goals of the third term to knot the score at 13-13 after three quarters. The Bearcats added two more early in the fourth quarter to take their first lead since 1-0 with goals from Hayley Weltner and Olivia Muscolino giving Binghamton a 15-13 edge.
Bishara's fourth goal of the night from point-blank range on the woman advantage closed the Raiders within 16-15 with 1:39 remaining in regulation. Binghamton won the ensuing draw control and never gave Colgate another possession to hold on for the one-goal decision.
STAT LEADERS
Bishara (4) and Lucey (3) combined for seven goals. Licata, Henning, and Grace DelNegro all finished with two goals apiece. Lauren Solis made 10 saves in net. In the back and forth affair, shots on goal were dead even at 26 apiece as were draw controls (18). Binghamton had 15 turnovers to Colgate's 14.
UP NEXT
Colgate (0-3) next travels to Niagara Falls on Saturday to face Niagara at 1 p.m.
