The Columbia women’s lacrosse team overcame an early four-goal deficit to defeat Marist 12-9 on Saturday evening in Poughkeepsie, New York. With this result, Columbia improved its season record to 3-1, while Marist dropped to 1-5.
Marist started the game strong, scoring the first four goals and taking control of the opening quarter. Columbia’s Cecelia Messner scored late in the first quarter, marking a turning point for the Lions. This goal initiated a five-goal run that lasted through halftime. During this stretch, Columbia held Marist scoreless in the second quarter and entered halftime with a 5-4 lead.
Columbia continued to play solid defense and controlled possession during their comeback. The third quarter saw both teams trading goals, but Columbia maintained a narrow advantage and led 9-8 going into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, Michelle Zhai scored twice as part of a three-goal effort by Columbia that secured their victory. Zhai finished as the game’s top scorer with four goals. Messner contributed two goals and one assist for three points. Maddie Brogan and Lilah Kirch each added two goals, while Emma Row recorded her best career performance with one goal and two assists. Anna Becker also had a goal and an assist.
Goalkeeper Ava Kimche played all 60 minutes for Columbia, making seven saves including several key stops during Marist’s attempts to regain momentum. Cordelia Flemming set a personal best with eight draw controls, helping Columbia dominate that aspect of play with a 16-7 advantage over Marist. The Lions were also successful on all 12 clear attempts.
Columbia will next face Howard at Kraft Field on Wednesday in a rescheduled game from last week.
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