HAMILTON – The Colgate Raiders will take flight into the new season as they open play at the Tennessee Tournament. The team's season opener will take place Friday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. against the University of Tennessee, followed by match ups against Fairfield (Aug. 29) and Morehead State (Aug. 30).
"We're really excited about this group and the opportunity we have in front of us," said head coach Ryan Baker. "We challenged ourselves with the schedule because we believe that's the best way to prepare for the Patriot League and ultimately the postseason. Opening against Tennessee and then coming home to play Arizona State, Princeton, and Villanova gives us a chance to compete against some really strong programs right away. We know those matches are going to test us, but they're also going to show us where we need to grow. We are a very new group with an inexperienced lineup. I'm very excited to watch us improve on a daily basis and fight for a championship."
This will be the sixth consecutive year in which the Raiders have opened their season on the road in tournament play against nationally ranked opponents.
Among their Patriot League peers, Colgate was selected to finish second in the League's preseason poll, while Tiana Owens and Milan Bayless earned spots on the Preseason Patriot League Team.
Colgate finished last season 18-10, including a 13-3 conference record. During the Raiders' conference run, they went 12-0, posting the best start to league play in program history.
RETURNING TALENT
Colgate returns exceptional veteran talent. Outside hitter Owens will anchor the wing for the Raiders. Senior setters Deren Cukur and Ava Schabes both served as critical pieces in the Raiders' lineup.
Sophomores Julia Oster and Sydney Raszewski make up the libero/defensive specialist position.
NEWCOMERS
Baker brought in Hannah Langton, a transfer from Central Michigan, and five first-years to round out the incoming class.
Langton joins the Raiders as a rising junior with two collegiate seasons under her belt as a libero/defensive specialist. She has played in 58 matches and 218 sets.
Among the first-years, a wide range of positional talent joins the team. Baker recruited a setter, right-side hitter, libero and two middle blockers from Texas, Georgia, Canada and New York.
SCHEDULE OUTLOOK
The Raiders will open the new season by competing in three tournaments, two of which will be hosted by Colgate. They will open play in Knoxville, Tenn., taking on host No. 22 Tennessee (Aug. 28) in the Tennessee Tournament, followed by Fairfield (Aug. 29) and Morehead State (Aug. 30).
Colgate will return to Hamilton to host No. 12 Arizona State (Sept. 3), Princeton (Sept. 5) and Villanova (Sept. 6) for the Colgate Volleyball Classic. The Raiders' final tournament will be the Ellis Rowland Memorial Tournament. Colgate will square off against Northeastern (Sept. 11), UAlbany (Sept. 12) and Dartmouth (Sept. 13).
After three consecutive tournament weekends, the Raiders will open league play by hosting Navy (Sept. 18) and Loyola (Sept. 19), followed by a five-match road stretch against Army (Sept. 25), Holy Cross (Sept. 26), Lehigh (Oct. 2), Bucknell (Oct. 3) and American (Oct. 9).
Colgate will return to Hamilton to host Lafayette (Oct. 11) for Breast Cancer Awareness and American (Oct. 17) for the alumni game. Colgate will travel to Loyola (Oct. 23) and Navy (Oct. 24), followed by a matchup against Binghamton (Oct. 28).
The Raiders will wind down the regular season with four straight home matches against Holy Cross (Oct. 31), Army (Nov. 1), Lehigh (Nov. 6) and Bucknell (Nov. 7), with their final match on the road at Lafayette (Nov. 14).
On every field and in every arena, Colgate Athletics believes in and delivers a true Division I student-athlete experience. Our coaches recruit students of high intellectual promise who are elite competitors in their sports, and — thanks to loyal and generous alumni, families, and fans like you — Colgate supports high-level academic services, athletic training, travel, health and nutrition, strength and conditioning, career development, and more.
Make a gift today to support the season ahead. Your generosity helps Colgate develop champions on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
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