Colgate was streaky to start the season, but have since clinched bothe the regular-season and tournament title.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- No. 18 Colgate streaked its way to the Patriot League title on Sunday, defeating Army 11-8 for the second tournament championship in program history. The Raiders won their sixth consecutive game and now have a May date with the NCAA tournament.
Sunday's win against Army was Colgate's second against the Black Knights in nine days, handing the Raiders their first Patriot League championship since 2008. The Raiders are returning to the NCAA tournament for the first time since they were an at-large entry in 2012.
Cameron Williams scored a natural hat trick to spark Sunday's win, scoring three times in a five-minute span of the second quarter to give the Raiders the lead for keeps. Williams added another goal in the third to keep Army at bay, while Ryan Walsh scored two goals and Brandon Burke made eight saves.
Colgate (10-4) began the season winning its first four games, but followed with four consecutive losses. But four more in the win column -- Loyola Maryland, Lehigh, Holy Cross and Army -- led to a share of the Patriot League regular-season title. And then two convincing wins in Annapolis this weekend handed Colgate double crowns.
The Raiders now host ACC champion and No. 4 Syracuse on Saturday in the regular-season finale.
Colgate's NCAA placement will be unveiled during a tournament selection show at 9 p.m. ET on May 3 on ESPNU.
Army (10-6) was led by three John Glesener goals.
