By LISA AWAITEY

The Cornell field hockey team heads to Colgate for a thrilling season opener this Friday, September 5 against its in-state rival. The Red has a 24-14-4 (.619) record for all-time season openers and edges Colgate in the series with an all-time 20-19-3 record.

At the last meeting against the Raiders, Cornell walked away with 3-2 victory at home. Sophomore Katy Weeks was instrumental for the Red, scoring two for Cornell.

However, the win was tough, with Colgate pulling ahead twice, forcing Cornell to equalize and regain momentum on the offensive end. The first goal came from Elly Plappert 14, who tipped in a shot from current junior Marisa Siergiej. Minutes later, the Red found itself trailing. Plappert helped tie the game once more, this time with an assist to Weeks. The Plappert-Weeks duo was able to score again to secure a win for Cornell.

Looking ahead to the season opener, the squad is optimistic about putting that first W on the board coming off a rigorous preseason, according to senior Katherine Stone.

After looking at how hard everyone has been working this preseason, I am really excited for this season, she said.

Returners will be looked at to make an immediate impact on the field: junior captain Taylor Standiford and assistant captain senior Ann DiPastina in the midfield, Weeks, junior Katie Garrity and sophomore Georgia Lord in the front half, and Siergiej, Stone and junior Stephanie Eggertson on defense.

After Fridays opener, the Red will return to Marsha Dodson field to face Albany. The Great Danes lead the Red with a 4-3 record, defeating Cornell 3-0 at the last matchup. Despite a solid performance from Cornell, the Red played a formidable opponent in Albany, with goalie Carolyn Horner 14 recording a personal best of 15 saves in the loss. The Great Danes recorded almost 30 shots while the Red was held to only three.

After the season and home opener this week, the Red heads to Lehigh on Friday, September 12 and will then make a quick turnover with a game just two days later against Delaware.

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FIELD HOCKEY |Cornell Squad Will Face In-State Rival Colgate In Season Opener, Looks to Start Season Strong