Syracuse Returns to Schedule; Kids Game Jan. 11 vs. Boston University
Year 2 for Colgate head coach Bill Cleary begins with another challenging nonconference women’s basketball schedule.
The Raiders are on the road for six straight to open the 2017-18 campaign before Siena visits Cotterell Court Nov. 29 for the home opener. Among the early road tests are trips to Canisius, Cornell, Arizona State and Towson.
“We’ve got a very challenging schedule, and I’m very happy with how it came about,” Cleary said. “Obviously the Patriot League is very tough, so we need to challenge ourselves to get us ready for the competition we are going to face.
The schedule flips in Colgate’s favor during December, with four of the five games in Hamilton. The lone road trip is a short one to Syracuse to take on the recent national championship finalist. That game – the first between the programs since December 2011 – is set for Dec. 6 at the Carrier Dome.
“I love the fact that we picked up Syracuse,” Cleary said. “That’s big, and I thank Coach Q (Syracuse head coach Quentin Hillsman) for making it happen. I hope it’s something we can do annually.”
Colgate opens its Patriot League campaign Dec. 29 against Holy Cross. The Raiders last season finished a solid sixth in the conference standings, thanks in part to a 7-5 overall home record that marked the fewest Cotterell Court losses since 2004-05.
This year’s popular Kids Game is Jan. 11 against Boston University in an 11:15 a.m. start, and Senior Day takes place Feb. 17 against Loyola. The Raiders wrap the Patriot League schedule Feb. 28 against Lafayette, followed by this year’s conference tournament March 3-11.
Additional Cleary Comments on the 2017-18 Schedule
(On playing at Arizona State): “Arizona State is a homecoming game for Julia Barcello. It’s nice that we are able to do that for our players.”
(On the rivalry games and contests against Ivy League opponents): “We have a lot of Ivies on there with some teams that are very tough. Brown made the Ivy League tournament semifinals and went on to play in the postseason. Yale and Cornell were both in the mix.
“Rivalry games against Cornell and Siena are important to us and a lot of fun. It’s a schedule that is both exciting and challenging.”
(On turning the favorable December schedule into momentum for Patriot League play): “That’s what we’re hoping. With the first six games on the road, we are really going to find out who we are. You build your mettle on the road, and last year we lost a lot of close games on the road. But we’re going to get us ourselves tested early and often, and our players are a year more confident and a year more experienced.”
(His thoughts on the 2017-18 season): “The vibe around the team is one of excitement for this year. They have more confidence, and I’m hoping that will translate to more victories.”
2017-18 Colgate Women’s Basketball Schedule
Nov. 10 at Canisius
Nov. 13 at Yale
Nov. 16 at Cornell
Nov. 19 at Arizona State
Nov. 22 at Fairleigh Dickinson
Nov. 26 at Towson
Nov. 29 SIENA
Dec. 2 UMASS LOWELL
Dec. 6 at Syracuse
Dec. 10 BROWN
Dec. 21 NIAGARA
Dec. 29 HOLY CROSS *
Jan. 2 AMERICAN *
Jan. 5 at Lafayette *
Jan. 8 at Navy *
Jan. 11 BOSTON UNIVERSITY * (Kids Game)
Jan. 14 at Bucknell *
Jan. 17 LEHIGH *
Jan. 21 at Loyola *
Jan. 24 ARMY WEST POINT *
Jan. 27 at American *
Feb. 3 NAVY *
Feb. 7 at Boston University *
Feb. 10 BUCKNELL *
Feb. 14 at Lehigh *
Feb. 17 LOYOLA * (Senior Day)
Feb. 21 at Army West Point *
Feb. 24 at Holy Cross *
Feb. 28 LAFAYETTE *
March 3-11 Patriot League Tournament
* Patriot League opponent. Home games BOLD CAPS.