HAMILTON - A six-goal, senior day thriller ended with a 4-2 Colgate victory over Bucknell at Beyer-Small '76 Field on Saturday afternoon.
The win puts Colgate equal with Boston University at the top of the Patriot League standings with one match remaining. The Raiders will take on BU next Wednesday for a chance at their first regular season championship since 2014.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Colgate began the first half with strong defensive play, as Ella Poppinga made an early save against the Bison's Henna Andican. The Raiders struck first in the 13th minute when Ellie Stokes scored with assists from Ana Schremp and Anna Keeling, giving Colgate a 1-0 lead.
Colgate maintained their momentum, and despite the Bison's offensive efforts, Poppinga recorded another crucial save on a shot by Dani Howard. The half closed with Colgate doubling their lead at the 38th minute through Jess Urena's goal, assisted by Molly Richards and Josie Tunney. Colgate ended the first half ahead 2-0.
The second half began with Colgate quickly extending their lead. Ari Bezanson scored in the 47th minute, assisted by Schremp, to make it 3-0. The Bison responded with a goal from Caitlyn Scott in the 57th minute, narrowing the gap to 3-1.
The Bison continued to press, reducing the deficit further when Katie Connell scored in the 71st minute, assisted by Presley Sutter and Leah Bolson, bringing the score to 3-2. However, Colgate regained their two-goal lead with a penalty kick goal from Tunney in the 78th minute, and earned a hard-fought 4-2 win.
GAME NOTES
- Six goals is the most between two teams this season in a Colgate match.
- The Raiders logged four different goalscorers for the first time since Oct. 19, 2016 against Army.
- Ella Poppinga made five saves in net to earn her ninth win of the season.
- Bezanson and Tunney each scored their sixth goal of the season, they lead the Raiders in goals (6) and points (14).
UP NEXT
Colgate (9-4-4, 6-1-1 Patriot) heads to Boston as the top two teams in the Patriot League battle for the regular season championship. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
