WASHINGTON, D.C. - Lauren Thompson's four-goal first half helped the Raiders secure their first win of the season and overcome the American Eagles, 13-7 on a rainy afternoon in Washington, D.C.
COACH TAYLOR'S COMMENTS
"What a great day for the team. The weather cooperated and we got our first win of the season. There were several outstanding plays on both ends of the field and our offense found their groove. Lauren Thompson had a career day with four goals and the attacking unit came together for a solid 13 scores on 24 shots. Lucy Licata with the draw team of Ellrose Hanlon and Kendall Belanger secured 16 of the 23 draw controls giving our team a distinct possession advantage. On the defensive side of the ball Lauren Solis played outstanding in the goal saving 14 shots and only giving up 7 goals. But the unheralded play by our defense was a story in itself today. They were just so solid and together in front of Solis. We wanted to put together the complete game with a strong third quarter and we did that. We have work to do and things to clean up but we look forward to the second half of our season with optimism."
HOW IT HAPPENED
In the first quarter of action, Lauren Thompson secured her fourth and fifth goals of the season to keep pace with American. The Raiders and the Eagles remained tied 2-2 after the first 15 minutes.
Kait Henning converted a free position shot with eight minutes left in the second quarter to re-establish the Raider lead. After an American goal, Thompson completed her first half hat trick giving Colgate the 4-3 lead with 3:37 to play. The Eagles were able to tie the game back up at four with just over 30 seconds left in the half, but Ella Bishara buried her fifth goal of the season with just one second left on the clock giving the Raiders a 5-4 lead heading into the break.
American equalized with 9:22 remaining in the third before the Raiders went on a massive 5-0 run to end the third frame. Caroline Panzirer netted her sixth and seventh goals of the season under a minute apart. Thompson scored her fourth goal of the afternoon to push the Raider lead to 8-5. With under 30 seconds left Lucy Licata scored her 13th of the year off a Sarah Marcovici pass and it seemed like the Raiders were content with the four goal advantage going into the fourth frame but Kait Henning scored her 13th of the season with seven ticks left and the Raiders took a 10-5 lead into the fourth quarter.
American cut into the Raider lead but it wasn't enough as Henning completed her hat trick and Licata netted the Raider's 12th goal of the afternoon. Kendall Belanger scored with just over a minute remaining to give the Raiders a 13-7 victory.
Lauren Solis played all 60 minutes in goal making 14 saves and allowing just seven goals against, her lowest total in her collegiate career.
UP NEXT
Colgate (1-8, 1-2) returns home for a midweek game against non-conference Cornell on Tuesday, Mar. 26 at 5 p.m.
