The Columbia lacrosse team is set to play its first home game of the 2026 season against Lafayette on Wednesday at Kraft Field, with the opening draw scheduled for 2 p.m.
In their season opener last Saturday, Columbia defeated Sacred Heart 14-5. Michelle Zhai and Cecelia Messner both had standout performances. Zhai recorded four goals and four assists, totaling eight points—a personal best and the fourth-highest single-game point total in program history. Messner added three goals and a career-high four assists for seven points.
Anna Becker contributed two goals and two assists, while Maddie Brogan also scored twice. Grace Hoverman, Kate Quigley, and Emma Row each scored their first career goals during the game. Goalkeeper Ava Kimche made 11 saves in nearly 58 minutes of play.
Zhai was recognized as Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week for her performance. She is the first Columbia lacrosse player to receive this honor since Lindsey Ewertsen in 2019.
Lafayette enters Wednesday’s contest after a win over Merrimack, finishing last season with a 6-10 record overall and going 2-7 in Patriot League play. The Leopards were picked to finish tenth in this year’s Patriot League Preseason Poll after an eighth-place finish last year.
Columbia previously faced Lafayette in its 2024 season opener at Kraft Field, where the Lions narrowly won 8-7 after holding off a late comeback attempt by Lafayette.
Georgia Swarr leads Lafayette early this season with four goals and five points. Emma Toner has caused four turnovers, while Katie Marrs leads with four draw controls.
Columbia will continue its homestand next week by hosting Lehigh on Sunday at 2 p.m., followed by Howard on Tuesday at noon.
All Columbia home games and Ivy League contests are available for streaming via ESPN+. Live statistics can be accessed through Columbia’s official athletics website. Updates are also provided on social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and GoColumbiaLions.com.
