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HAMILTON, N.Y. – Colgate University scored single goals in each half and went on to defeat a gritty UMass Lowell women's soccer team, 2-0, in a non-conference match, Sunday afternoon in the second round of the Colgate Nike Classic, at Beyer-Small '76 Field in Hamilton, N.Y.
"Despite the final scores, I'm happy with the way we played, I'm proud of this group," said UMass Lowell Head Coach
Joel Bancroft. "I was pleased with the effort, I was pleased with the tactics, I was pleased with the execution."
The loss was the third straight for the River Hawks, whose record drops to 2-4-1. Colgate, a member of the Patriot League, improves to 3-1-1. Both the Raiders and Syracuse went 2-0-0 in the tournament. UMass Lowell and America East comrade Vermont both came up empty handed in their two tournament outings.
Teams such as those UMass Lowell faced this weekend and Northeastern who the River Hawks battled earlier in the season have combined to give the team a schedule that BennettRank.com has defined as the strongest in America East.
"We want to compete regionally and nationally," said Bancroft, "and this is part of the process. The games we played this weekend will certainly help us with the speed of play when we get to the conference schedule."
The home team took a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute of play, junior Catherine Williams booted the ball home from in close finishing off a nice three way passing play out of scramble in the net front. Junior Jenna Raepple and senior Caroline Brawner were credited with assists. The goal came moments after Williams drilled a right foot drive off the left post.
The Raiders added to their lead early in the second half. Freshman Emily Crichlow scored from inside the box, beating the goalkeeper to the left, after taking a pass from sophomore Sarah Coy who had dribbled to the end line. The goal came in the 62nd minute.
The River Hawks struggled to finish off their offensive opportunities. Colgate had a shooting edge, 20-9, 8-1 on target. Senior keeper
Jill Carlson (Lexington, Mass.), who was at time spectacular, made six saves.
"Jill was terrific all weekend," said Bancroft. "He play was great and her leadership was outstanding. I was really pleased."
Carlson's effort did not go unnoticed by others. She was one of three UMass Lowell players to earn a spot on the All-Tournament team. Carlson was joined on the team by freshman back
Delaney Savacool (Toms River, N.J.) and junior captain midfielder
Colleen Corliss (Pittsfield, N.H.)
At the other end of the field, sophomore Brenna Mason made one save.
"We defended well, but we have to grow on the attack," said Bancroft. "Our possession was good, we created offense; the next level is the final ball. When we have opportunities, we have to capitalize."
The River Hawks had the edge in corner kicks, 4-3, and 3-1 in the second half.
The River Hawks look to get back on the winning track Friday, September 12th at 7 P.M., when they face Lafayette College in Easton, Penn. UMass Lowell will not return to the Cushing Field Complex until they host Holy Cross on September 17th at 7P.M.
