It’s been 23 years since the Colgate volleyball program had this many victories. In December, the Raiders finished out the season with an overall record of 24–8 and earned a 15–1 mark in Patriot League play.
The team’s winning streak came to an end in the National Invitational Volleyball Championship Quarterfinals Dec. 12. Taking on Texas Christian University, the Raiders couldn’t topple the Horned Frogs on their home court, losing 3–0.
But this loss followed two victories in the championship — which also qualified as the first post–Patriot League victories since the 1996 team won an NCAA Play-In match. In rounds one and two of the championship, Colgate beat Boston College (3–1) and Tulane (3–1), respectively.
“I am just so proud of this team,” said Coach Ryan Baker, who was honored as Patriot League Coach of the Year for the third time in his career. “These seniors raised the bar for our program, and I will be forever grateful.”
The seniors leave behind a strong team as they prepare to graduate. Julia Kurowski ’22 set the single season assists record with 1,247 on the year. She ranks sixth all-time in program history with 2,251 in her career, while she led the team this season with 17 double-doubles.
Meanwhile, outside hitter Alli Lowe ’21 set the total attack (1,289) record this season. She also ranked second all-time with her 465 kills on the year. Lowe ranks fifth in program history with 1,191 kills in her career. She was named Patriot League Player of the Year and to AVCA’s All-Region Honorable Mention.
Overall, Colgate totaled 43 double-doubles, 10 20-plus dig matches, and tallied 10 20-kill performances on the year.
“The future is bright for our program, and we will use all the positives from this season to use as a springboard for next year,” Baker added.