HAMILTON – The Raiders used a dominant first half to soar past the University at Albany, 64-50 on Thursday night at Cotterell Court to advance to the second round of the WNIT. 

The win secures the Raiders first postseason win in Division I history. 

COACH ADEDUNTAN'S COMMENTS

"We had an opportunity to keep this thing going. We have done a lot of great things this year and a lot of things these kids should be proud of. It was important for me to remind them of that and let them know we can keep adding to that. We get the opportunity to spend more time together, to practice together, and like I said they are a special group. We have been talking about trying to extend our season for as long as possible. To be able to have Alexa Brodie and Tiasia McMillan still be able to wear that Colgate jersey and represent this great institution with pride. I keep telling them there is nothing better. I know we want to keep playing as long as possible."

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Raiders started firing on all cylinders taking a quick 11-4 lead thanks to a couple Golembiewski layups and a deep Diehl triple. Diehl hit another trey with 3:42 left and the Raiders were able to take a 16-8 lead. Golembiewski netted two more layups at the end of the half and Colgate led 20-14 after one quarter of action.

Colgate used another huge second quarter run to take a commanding 32-20 lead. Alexa Brodie and Tiasia McMillan each hit jumpers before Diehl hit her third three of the night on the Raider 12-4 run. Amarah Streiff drilled two triples at the end of the first half and the Raiders took a 39-25 lead into the locker room.

Diehl and Golembiewski continued their dominance coming out in the second half. Diehl drilled her fourth 3-pointer after Golembiewski used some silky footwork on a euro step layup and Colgate took its largest lead of the night 49-27 with 5:52 left in the third frame. UAlbany was able to use a run of its own at the end of the third quarter to cut into the Raider lead but Colgate remained in front 54-39 heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter was the lowest scoring quarter for both teams with each squad trading blows and playing tough defense. After a flurry from the Great Danes, getting them within 10 points, Colgate was able to drill its free throw opportunities to ice the game and advance to the second round of the WNIT with a 64-50 victory.Colgate's offense was led by three double-digit scorers, Taylor Golembiewski (17), Sophia Diehl (16), and Tiasia McMillan (13).

The Raiders were able to have their way with the best defense in the nation shooting 51 percent (25-for-49) from the floor and 60 percent (6-for-10) from three. The Colgate defense continued its dominance, holding the Great Danes to just 36.4 percent (20-for-55) from the floor and 18.8 percent (3-for-16) from three.

UP NEXT
Colgate (19-13) advances to the second round of the WNIT taking on Providence College on Monday, March 25th at 7 p.m. in Providence. Ticket information will be available March 22nd and March 23rd.