HAMILTON, NY – The Rider University field hockey team got off to a strong start to the 2025 season, earning a 3-0, shutout victory over Colgate Friday evening. The game was the season opener for both teams.
 
Just over five minutes into the game the Broncs took advantage of a quick restart to fire a long pass that found the stick of Samantha Biondi (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan[UConn]) behind the Colgate defense. Biondi made an easy pass around the Raider goalie onto the stick of Semra Said (Mannheim, Germany/Feudenheim Gymnasium Mannheim), who finished into the open net to give Rider the early lead.
 
Late in the first half, Kate Mahmud (Downingtown, PA/Downingtown West) played a long pass down the right side that was taken in by Martina de Cespedes (Málaga, Spain/Novaschool Sunland International). De Cespedes made an entry pass into the circle to Ryleigh Damminger (Paulsboro, NJ/GCIT), who then played a centering pass to the front of the goal mouth where Mackenzie Smith (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) came flying in to punch the ball into the cage and extend the Rider lead to 2-0 at the half.
 
Following a scoreless third quarter, the Broncs took advantage of a penalty corner to add an insurance goal. After the insert was made to Megan Normile (New Egypt, NJ/New Egypt), she made a pass to Anna Finn (Windsor, NY/Windsor Central), who ripped a shot that was deflected in front by Ang Borisow (Harleysville, PA/Souderton) and into the back of the cage, producing what would be the game's final goal.
 
Quotes & Notes
"The kids worked so hard. All their dedication, hard work, and belief in each other and themselves made the difference tonight. Giving our best effort is our goal every day, and we accomplished that goal." – Head Coach Gina Carey-Smith
 
- Rider extends its lead in the all-time series to 18-13.
- The Broncs have won six-straight season openers.
- Jade Regnart (Cape Town, South Africa/Fairmont) made the start in net, playing all 60 minutes and making a save for her fifth career shutout.
- Biondi and Damminger made the start in their collegiate debuts. De Cespedes, RyAnn Dunn (Bayville, NJ/Central Regional), and Smith came off the bench in their first career game.
- Mahmud, Normile, and Emma Bonshak (Whitehall, PA/Whitehall) played all 60 minutes in the field for the Broncs.
 
Broncs By The Numbers
- Rider outshot Colgate 16-6, including an 11-1 edge in shots on goal.
- The Broncs earned eight corners, to four for the Raiders.
- Said's goal is the 14^th of her career.
- Borisow's tally is her fourth career goal.
 
Up Next
Rider remains on the road for a contest next Friday at Hofstra