Oct. 1, 2011
Box Score
HAMILTON, N.Y. - Lafayette opened its Patriot League slate in style, defeating Colgate 5-0 on Saturday in Hamilton, N.Y. Kelsey Mead tallied two goals in the contest and Emily Valeo registered three points in the victory.
"It was a really balanced team performance today," head coach Andrew Griffiths said. "Our backfield was strong throughout the game and Colgate's goalkeeper was outstanding. We had trouble scoring in the first half, but after the break we moved the ball better as a team and were able to take advantage of some openings. It's great to get goals from four different players."
Lafayette (4-5, 1-0 Patriot) controlled the play from the start, taking 17 shots in the opening half while preventing Colgate from attempting any on Lafayette goalkeeper Mara Kish. The Leopards got on the board at the 25:08 mark when Valeo made her way behind the Raiders defense and beat goalie Amanda DiDomizio for the game's first goal. Valeo's tally was her second of the season and stood up to be the game winner.
Colgate (4-7, 0-1 Patriot) kept the score at 1-0 until eight minutes into the second frame as the Leopards capitalized again on their offensive pressure. Valeo set up Kristin Heaney in front of the cage for her first marker of the season, extending the lead to 2-0.
At 51:04, the Maroon and White scored again as freshman Brittany Blass' shot was redirected past DiDomizio by classmate Mead, making the score 3-0 in favor of the visitors.
Less than five minutes later, Mead added an insurance goal, her fourth of the season, extending the lead to 4-0. Deanna DiCroce then scored from the top of the circle at the 64:33 point, giving Lafayette a 5-0 advantage.
Kish (4-3) earned the shutout in goal for the Leopards, while DiDomizio made 17 saves in goal for the Raiders. Lafayette earned 18 corners in the contest and didn't surrender any to Colgate. In total, Lafayette took 37 shots, including 25 on goal. Adriana Libutti was credited with three defensive saves in the game.
Lafayette returns to Easton, Pa. tomorrow at 2 p.m. when it hosts Quinnipiac at Rappolt Field.
