The Colgate women’s soccer team begins its quest for a Patriot League Championship Friday at 7 p.m. when the Raiders open the 2016 season against in-state foe Syracuse at Beyer-Small ’76 Field. Colgate then hosts New Hampshire Sunday at 1 p.m. to close out its opening weekend.
The Raiders, who were predicted to finish fourth in the league’s preseason poll, look to a six-member senior class to lead the way in 2016. Captains Sophi Lederer, Brenna Mason and Emily Pullen aim to guide three juniors, ten sophomores and seven first-years towards the program’s 13th Patriot League Championship.
“Preseason has gone really well,” said head coach Kathy Brawn, who enters her 26th year at the helm. “The first-years have been welcomed by the older players and we have a really good blend of personalities and talent. It’s easy to see that the team enjoys playing with each other, which will be a big strength of the team as we move through the season.”
The Raiders return three of last year’s five All-Patriot League selections in second team All-League member Eliza Doll and third-team picks Coy and Pullen. Doll was recently honored as the Preseason Patriot League Midfielder of the Year.
Colgate also brings back a pair of former Patriot League major award winners in Coy, the 2014 Offensive Player of the Year, and Mason, the 2014 Goalkeeper of the Year. Coy and sophomore Emily Crichlow are the leading returning scorers from last year’s campaign as both Raiders finished the 2015 season with eight points apiece.
“The cohesiveness of our team is a strength,” explained Brawn. “Our talent level is strong and we’re a pretty technical team. The group is very focused on what they want to accomplish throughout the season.”
The Raiders aim to improve on last season’s 6-9-3 overall record and 4-4-1 mark in Patriot League play. Colgate fell in the Patriot League Quarterfinals at Loyola in heartbreaking fashion as the Greyhounds advanced on penalty kicks. The 2016 squad looks to make its ninth-straight Patriot League Tournament appearance in hopes of earning another league crown.
“The keys to success are to be well prepared, have respect for our opponents and be excellent in everything that we set out to do,” said Brawn.
Kickoff of Friday’s season-opener against Syracuse is set for 7 p.m. on Beyer-Small ’76 field. Information on how to follow every Colgate women’s soccer game can be found at Game Central.