Raiders drop early lead in contested game
ITHACA, N.Y. — An action-packed third quarter left the Raiders one goal shy of a victory in Cornell's indoor facility, Barton Hall. The Big Red were able to top the Raiders, 2–1.
Anna Lochhead tallied the first goal of the game in the 38th minute. Off Lauren Widdowson's corner, Ahria Dhillon fired a shot as Lochhead redirected the ball into the back of the net to give the Raiders a 1–0 lead.
COACH CORNELL-DEANGELIS' COMMENTS
"Although it wasn't a win, we can take some really great moments from this game. I am so proud of our team adapting to a new environment and staying calm as we assessed the playing conditions. We came out ready to compete confidently on a dry indoor turf. We knew going into the game that Cornell is a tough and physical opponent. We held strong against them and got on the board first. Claire played fantastic and had some key saves that kept it a very close game. We will use this as a learning moment of how to stay on top and control the game once we are up a goal."
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Claire Van Kempen made a save in the second minute of play to keep the game scoreless.
- The Big Red took another shot, but it was blocked, keeping Cornell off the scoreboard.
- Cornell had one more attempt on net as the period was ending but Van Kempen made a key save to keep the game leveled.
- The Big Red used their momentum to generate two quick shots in the beginning of the quarter but Van Kempen came up big and saved both to end the first quarter, 0-0.
- Morgan Willis had the first attempt on net for the Raiders but Cornell's goalie, Jane McNally, was able to stop the shot.
- Grace Schmelzinger had an attempt on target off a penalty corner but goalie Jane McNally brushed that away as well.
- Cornell's penalty opportunity came in the 29th minute, but neither team could convert, maintaining the 0-0 scoreline.
- Van Kempen notched her fifth save in the 37th minute, maintaining the score early in the quarter.
- Shortly after, Widdowson serviced in a penalty corner and Dhillon initially ripped the shot but Lochhead redirected it through traffic and tapped the ball in to give the Raiders the first tally and lead, 1–0.
- Cornell responded quickly with two goals, the first coming in the 42nd minute by Annabel Cheveley off a corner, followed by Blake Wilks' tap-in goal in the 43rd minute, both converting from penalty corners.
- The quarter ended with Cornell pulling ahead 2-1, leveraging their set-piece opportunities.
- Colgate generated momentum with consecutive penalty corners, led by Lauren Widdowson, but attempts by Grace Schmelzinger and Ahria Dhillon were blocked.
- Claire van Kempen made a crucial save on a shot by Annabel Cheveley to maintain a one-goal difference.
- As time expired, Colgate could not find the back of the net and fell short, 2–1.
GAME NOTES
- Van Kempen notched seven saves in net.
- Lochhead recorded her first goal of the season along with one shot.
- Ahria Dhillon fired off two shots and tallied an assist.
- Colgate falls to an overall record of 1–2.
UP NEXT
The Raiders will host Central MIchigan on Friday, Sept. 12 at 3 p.m. followed by another home match against LIU on Sunday, Sept 14 at 1 p.m.
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