WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a closely contested match, Colgate was edged in the final set at Bender Arena during the Patriot League semifinals. The Raiders recorded 56 kills and matched a conference playoff record with 20 total blocks.
Army took the first two sets of the match, but Colgate persevered with resilience to take sets 3 and 4, tying the match at 2–2. In a fight until the end, Army took a short but early lead in the final set and ultimately won, 15–11, to advance.
COACH BAKER'S COMMENTS
"This was a hard fought match and I couldn't be more proud of my team. They showed their character in this match by never giving up, staying composed and playing together. This is a tough league and anyone can beat anyone. Army made a few more plays than us in the 5th set and unfortunately that's the match. While we are all sad, I'm proud of how consistent our program has been. We will be fighting for another championship next fall. We gained a great deal of experience. We had a lot of new faces on the court. This should and will motivate us."
Set 1 | Army 25, Colgate 22
The opening set began with Colgate gaining an early advantage on a kill by Milan Bayless, assisted by Rachael Martinez. Army responded with a series of successful plays to take a 4–1 lead. Colgate fought back with a key block from Maddie Rudolph and Bayless, narrowing the gap to 7–6.
Midway through the set, Colgate surged ahead with consecutive kills from Bayless and Tiana Owens, along with a service ace by Owens, taking a 10–8 lead. However, Army regained momentum later in the set, tying the score at 18–18 with a Black Knight service ace and eventually pulling ahead. Despite Colgate's efforts, including another kill from Bayless, Army secured the set victory at 25–22.
Set 2 | Army 25, Colgate 23
Colgate battled back in the second set, erasing an early deficit to tie the score at 10–10 after a block by Lal Akin and Jordyn Moore and service ace from Owens. Colgate took a 13–12 advantage, capitalizing on a Black Knight service error and a kill and block from Bayless. The Raiders fought for a string of three points late in the set to tie the match up once more, 20–20. From the 20–20 tie, Army outscored Colgate 5–3 to win the set, 25–23, and take a 2–0 match advantage
Set 3 | Colgate 25, Army 23
Colgate took an initial 3–1 lead, capitalizing on Army's attacking errors. The Raiders earned seven points to the Black Knights' two, and took their largest lead of the set, 14–10. The Black Knights fought to overcome the deficit and took a 19–17 lead. A kill from Torres and an Army attacking error tied the score at 19. Army's attempts to maintain the lead were short-lived, as Colgate secured the victory when Rudolph's block forced an attack error, concluding the set, 25–23.
Set 4 | Colgate 25, Army 19
Colgate started the fourth set aggressively, with Owens scoring the first point on a kill assisted by Ava Schabes. Bayless then emerged as a key contributor, recording multiple kills and benefiting from assists by both Schabes and Martinez, helping Colgate gain an early 6–3 lead. The momentum shifted into Colgate's favor when the team earned a series of points from multiple Raider blocks and kills, taking a 15–8 lead
As the set progressed, Bayless continued her strong performance, consistently finding openings in Army's defense and extending the lead. Owens also added crucial points, maintaining Colgate's lead. The Raiders maintained control and ultimately closed the set with Bayless's decisive kill, securing the 25–19 win and forcing a fifth set.
Set 5 | Army 15, Colgate 11
In the fifth set, Colgate initially capitalized on an early service error by Army to take a 1–0 lead. Bayless delivered key kills with assists from Schabes and Martinez, keeping Colgate competitive throughout the set.Despite consistent efforts from Owens, the Raiders trailed narrowly behind Army's aggressive attack. The set concluded with Army topping Colgate, 15–11, securing the victory and advancing to Sunday's championship match.
Colgate finished its 2025 season with an 18–10 overall record and a 13–3 mark in Patriot League play.
GAME NOTES
- Bayless led the team with a career-high 26 kills, contributing significantly to her 29.5 total points.
- Owens followed with 16 kills and added 20 points overall.
- Schabes provided 24 assists, facilitating the team's offensive play.
- Akin matched his season best with 10 blocks tonight against Army.
- Martinez recorded a perfect hitting percentage, converting her single attack attempt into a kill.
