WATERVILLE, Maine -- No. 14 Bates closed out the regular season in emphatic fashion Wednesday evening, powering past Colby 19-9 at Bill Alfond Field. The Bobcats (10-4, 6-4 NESCAC) now turn their attention to the postseason, awaiting their placement in the upcoming NESCAC Championship bracket.

Bates seized control early and never let go, scoring five of the game's first seven goals to take a 5-2 lead after one quarter. The Bobcats then broke the game open in the second, pouring in eight goals to carry a commanding 13-5 advantage into halftime.

Riley McClure led the offensive outburst with five goals and two assists, while Gray Doyle and Connor Hartman each added four goals. Jack Goldbach contributed two goals and three assists, and Henry McCann chipped in a goal and two assists as Bates showcased balance across its attack. 

Colby (4-9, 1-8 NESCAC) briefly trimmed the deficit to 9-5 with 4:18 remaining in the second quarter, but Bates responded with four goals in the final 2:40 of the half — including back-to-back tallies from McClure — to reestablish full control at the break.

The Bobcats continued to dictate play in the third quarter, outscoring the Mules 4-2 to push the margin to 17-7 entering the final period. Bates added a pair of fourth-quarter goals from Goldbach to cap the scoring.

In goal, Andrew Toland made 10 saves over nearly 50 minutes (49:40) to earn the win before Drew Nyhus handled the final stretch.

The Bobcats now await word on their postseason positioning as they look to carry momentum into the NESCAC Tournament.