SYRACUSE, N.Y. — In back-to-back showings between Colgate and Syracuse, the Raiders claimed a 3–1 victory over the Orange. Colgate went up early, 2–0 in the count, as Syracuse clinched set three, but the Raiders were able to rally from a fourth set deficit to notch their fourth win on the season. 

The last time Syracuse beat Colgate was back in 2012 in a 3–1 victory. Since then, the two teams have battled six times as Colgate has taken the advantage in all the matches. 

COACH BAKER'S COMMENTS
"This was another battle. Both teams were finding their rhythm at different times, but we were able to capitalize on some key plays.  We've learned a great deal about ourselves this preseason in many different areas.  I'm excited to watch this group get back to practice and take on a challenging league schedule."

Set 1 (Colgate 25, Syracuse 22)

• Colgate began the first set with a commanding 6-0 run, highlighted by Deren Cukur's service ace and Tiana Owens' two consecutive kills.
• The Orange fought to close the gap, but trailed as much as 15–5. The Raiders notched nine kills off 15 points. 
• The Orange found their rhythm late in the first set earning six unanswered points and cutting the deficit, 18–16. 
• Syracuse even went as far as tying up the match 20–20 off back-to-back service aces. 
• The set concluded with Colgate securing a 25-22 victory, as Owens delivered two decisive kills from Cukur's assists.

Set 2 (Colgate 25, Syracuse 21)

• The second set saw an assertive performance from the Raiders, with Maddie Rudolph igniting the scoreboard early through a kill assisted by Cukur.
• Colgate capitalized on a series of attack errors from Syracuse, building a 4-1 lead and maintaining the momentum. 
• Earning points quickly, the Raiders jumped out to yet another early 15–8 lead led by Milan Bayless' three kills. 
• The Orange found a late surge of momentum to catch up 15–13, but it was not enough as the Raiders maintained the lead for the remainder of the set. 
• Colgate put two out of reach with two kills from Rudolph and one from Owens to lead, 24–19. 
• Frances Torres concluded the 25–21 set with a decisive kill. 

Set 3 (Syracuse 25, Colgate 17)

• Syracuse quickly established a lead, capitalizing on two early service aces from Rana Yamada to go up 5-0. 
• The Raiders responded with a strong effort from Cukur, who assisted on kills by Rudolph and Lal Akin, narrowing the gap to 14-10. 
• Despite Colgate's efforts, including multiple kills by Bayless and Owens, Syracuse maintained its advantage and closed the set with a 25-17 victory.

Set 4 (Colgate 27, Syracuse 17)

• Syracuse with a dominating start to the fourth set led 6–1 with no signs of stopping. 
• Bayless was able to put a halt to their run with a kill. 
• The Orange widened their gap 13–9 but Colgate rallied back to take their first 15–13 lead in the set. 
• The comeback was spearheaded by two service aces from Julia Oster, three Raider kills, and an Orange attacking error to go up. 
• Two lead changes occurred before the Raiders earned match point at 24–21.
• The relentless Syracuse Orange earned three points to level the set at 24 apiece.
• A decisive moment came when Carlie Rzeszotarski's kill gave Colgate a lead, and Bayless completed the comeback with a match-winning point, securing the set 27-25.

GAME NOTES

• Rudolph had a career best of 12 kills.
• Bayless led the team in kills with 15.
• Syracuse has not beaten Colgate since 2012.
• Rzeszotarski had a career best of 16 digs.
• Cukur led the team in digs with 19.

UP NEXT
The Colgate Raiders (4–5), will enter Patriot League play on Friday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. in Washington, D.C. to face American followed by a game Saturday, Sept. 20 at Loyola at 4 p.m.