WORCESTER, Mass. - Ellie Stokes' first half goal helped the Raiders earn a point against Holy Cross in the regular season finale on Wednesday night.

The Raiders finished the 2024 regular season 5-9-4 overall and 3-3-3 in conference play. Colgate placed fifth in the Patriot League and will head to Baltimore to take on Loyola Maryland in the Patriot League Quarterfinals. 

COACH HOKANSON'S COMMENTS

"Felt a little disappointing to come away with a point after creating so much in the second half. It was great to see aspects of our attack clicking, ringing a few posts and forcing some saves out of their GK. In that sense, I loved the response after we let the game get away from us a little to close the first half. We did ultimately get some positive things out of the game and can be proud of a tough point on the road. Excited for the group to have another chance to take a shot at the Patriot League Tournament, can't underestimate how important last year's experience was for us in that regard. Always great to still be playing this time of year and excited for the challenge ahead of us on Sunday!"

HOW IT HAPPENED

Ari Bezanson found space inside the Holy Cross defense and fired from 25 yards out, rattling the crossbar just five minutes into the match.

Shortly after, Madison Isaacs swung a ball into the Holy Cross box that ended up at the foot of Ellie Stokes who poked the ball past the Crusader goalkeeper, giving the Raiders an early 1-0 lead.

Holy Cross was able to find the equalizing goal in the 21st minute.

Bezanson was able to take another shot on target with less than five minutes to go in the half. 

After 45 minutes, the match was tied 1-1 with the Raiders edging the Crusaders in shots on goal, 3-1.

Ava McCloskey took a long range shot that went just wide right 15 minutes into the second half.

In the 70th minute, Bezanson cut inside on her left foot and struck the woodwork for the second time.

Anna Keeling was able to manufacture a shot on goal with just over ten minutes left but the Holy Cross goalkeeper was equal to it.

Keeling fired another shot towards the top left moments later but again the Crusader goalkeeper made the save.

With under five minutes to play, Bezanson pulled the ball past the first defender and used a hesitation past the second to find herself inside the Crusader box but the finish was unable to find the back of the net.

Paige Foa took advantage of a Holy Cross defender slipping and ended up 1v1 with the Crusader goalkeeper, but pulled the shot just wide right.

Colgate was unable to net a winner and the match finished in a 1-1 draw.

UP NEXT
Colgate (5-9-4, 3-3-3) will head to Baltimore to match up with Loyola Maryland in the Patriot League Quarterfinals. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Ridley Athletic Complex.