Sept. 21, 2013

(3-3-1, 0-1-0) 1 2 F Lafayette 0 1 1 Colgate 3 1 4 Box Score (PDF) | Box Score (5-3-0, 1-0-0)

HAMILTON, N.Y. - Colgate jumped out to a 3-0 halftime lead and topped Lafayette 4-1 in the Patriot League opener for both teams on Saturday night at Van Doren Field. With the defeat, Lafayette drops to 3-3-1 overall in 2013.

"Full credit goes to Colgate because they're a very good team," head coach Mick Statham said. "The four goals we conceded were a little odd in their circumstances, but we kept fighting and we need to utilize the lessons we learned tonight for our games going forward."

Following an early opportunity for Lafayette striker Jaclyn Giordano that went awry after she got in behind the Colgate back line, the Raiders opened the scoring in the 15^th minute. Chelsea Roche took advantage of a free kick and capitalized on the rainy conditions when she beat Leopards' goalkeeper Danielle Sedillo, who slipped on the play, giving the home side a 1-0 advantage.

Set pieces proved to be a strength for Colgate (5-3-0, 1-0-0) in the opening half and the Raiders doubled their advantage five minutes later on another free kick. This time, Emily Manoogian sent a low ball into the penalty area and it hit a body in front to redirect past Sedillo, who was headed the other way.

With a 2-0 cushion late in the first half, Colgate added its third goal with just under two minutes to play before intermission. Jenna Panepinto's cross connected with Klara Jenkins through the air and she headed into the back of the Leopards' goal, sending the Raiders into the break with a 3-0 advantage.

Colgate added to its lead in the 62^nd minute on a goal by Sarah Coy before the Leopards found the back of the net on the other end 13 minutes later. Coy's goal deflected off her back as she turned in front of a Sedillo clearing attempt and bounced into the open goal. For Lafayette, Kaelin King picked out Joanna Scotti inside the penalty area and the freshman delivered by beating Colgate keeper Brenna Mason. Scotti's goal was the second of her career.

The Raiders finished the night with a 12-9 advantage in shots and a 5-1 edge in corner kicks. Mason ended her night with two saves, while Sedillo made one stop for Lafayette.

Lafayette has a quick turnaround for its next contest when it hosts UMBC on Wednesday evening. Kickoff from Oaks Stadium is slated for 7 p.m.