One goal.
That slimmest of margins was the difference in two thrilling victories Saturday for the Colgate men's and women's lacrosse teams.
Both teams are headed to the NCAA Tournament, but first they get a chance to revel in their home victories that fueled the passions of Raider Nation and established several "firsts" for the programs.
The men's team beat the No. 2 squad in the nation -- Syracuse -- by a score of 12-11 at Andy Kerr Stadium. The Raiders held off a furious rally by the Orange to secure the win in front of 4,572 fans.
Syracuse is the highest ranked opponent the Raiders have beaten in program history, and the win marks the first time since 1963-64 the Raiders have beaten the Orange in consecutive seasons.
Colgate, ranked No. 12 in the nation, will play No. 6 Notre Dame in South Bend in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The game is at noon Sunday, and will be televised by ESPNU.
Senior Matt Lalli scored a career-high seven points from three goals and four assists to lead the Raiders on senior day. Sophomore goaltender Tim Harrington (Lutherville, Md.) added the other spectacular performance with 16 saves, including the stop in the final second of action to secure the win.
The women's team ensured its trip to the NCAA Tournament by holding on for a 19-18 victory over Marist at Tyler's Field. It's the third time in five years the team will go to the tournament, but it was the first time in program history the team secured an invitation by winning an NCAA play-in game.
Colgate will visit Penn, which is ranked No. 1 in both national lacrosse polls this week, on Sunday for its NCAA first-round game.
Molly Carroll once again proved her value to the Raiders as she led her team with five goals against Marist. Sophomore Meghan Lawler added four goals and an assist, while freshman Colleen Bubnack posted three goals and two assists.
Both the men's and women's teams had won their Patriot League Tournaments, giving them big boosts as they headed into Saturday's play.