HAMILTON, N.Y. – Stephanie Karcz poured in 26 points, finishing one shy of her career high, but Loyola University Maryland was unable to recover from a slow start in a 79-70 defeat at Colgate on Saturday.

The Raiders (17-7, 9-4 Patriot League) never trailed after starting the contest on a 16-2 run. Tegan Graham had a team-high 22 points for Colgate, which is now 11-1 at home this season.

Karcz hit 12 of 18 shots from the field while recording 20+ points for a 12th time at Loyola. She also added eight rebounds and five steals in the defeat. The first of her eight boards put her in sole possession of No. 2 all-time in program history; Karcz is up to 1,035 rebounds overall in her collegiate career.

After trailing by as many as 17 points in the second quarter, back-to-back baskets from Karcz reduced the deficit to 39-26 heading into the intermission. Karcz and Alexis Gray then made the first two field goals of the second half to get the visitors within nine points. Gray joined Karcz in double figures with 12 points on the afternoon.

Colgate, though, responded with 11 of the next 15 points to go back in front by 16. Loyola pulled within nine on several occasions in the fourth quarter, but was unable to get any closer.

The Raiders completed a season sweep of the series and remained tied with Boston University for second place in the Patriot League standings. They shot 50.8 percent (33-65) from the field to help overcome a 40.0 percent (6-15) performance from the free throw line.

Karcz's previous scoring high was a 24-point effort at St. Francis Brooklyn on Nov. 24. She also totaled 5+ steals for a 13th time this season, as she continues to lead the nation at 5.4 thefts per game on the year.

Loyola remains on the road Wednesday evening, traveling to Army West Point for a matchup beginning at 6 p.m.