Colgate sent a message to the nation that they're ready to challenge for a national championship after defeating Ohio State in their opener.
Colgate sent a message to the nation that they're ready to challenge for a national championship after defeating Ohio State in their opener.
Colgate sent a clear message to the NCAA in the opening game of their 2023-2024 season...it's more than a two horse race for a national title this season.
Wisconsin and Ohio State, the reigning national champions and runner up, entered the season ranked first and second in the nation, but #4 Colgate opened the year beating Ohio State.
Rookie Emmalee Pais scored her first ever NCAA goal with 39 seconds remaining in the game to lift Colgate to a 3-2 win.
"I just can't say enough about the crowd tonight, we're really appreciative of the community's support," Colgate head coach Greg Fargo said in a news release. "It gave our team a boost in crucial moments and it made for a really fun environment."
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Colgate's offense was rounded out by two familiar scorers in Kalty Kaltounkova and Elyssa Biederman.
Kayle Osborne took the win in net for the Colgate Raiders making 30 saves.
Colgate's roster features reigning NCAA leading scorer Danielle Serdachny, followed by Kaltounkova who was fifth in the nation last season. Colgate's roster is loaded with talent including Biederman, Osborne, Dara Greig, Alysson Simpson, Hannah Murphy, Kaitlyn O'Donohoe, Kasundra Betinol, Sydney Morrow and a strong supporting cast.
Ohio State looked like a juggernaut heading into the season after adding a group of transfers including Hanna Bilka, Cayla Barnes, Kelsey King, Olivia Mobley, and Stephanie Markowski adding to their talented lineup already.
The teams play again Saturday afternoon.