Columbia University’s women’s lacrosse team set multiple program records in a 23-6 victory over Howard University on Wednesday at Kraft Field. The Lions improved their season record to 4-1, marking their best start since the 2009 season.
The team broke its previous single-game scoring record by netting 23 goals, surpassing the former high of 21 goals set against La Salle in 2008. The win also marked the largest margin of victory in Columbia lacrosse history with a 17-goal difference, eclipsing a previous best from a game against Wagner in 1999.
Columbia finished the match with 38 total points, which is another new program record. The earlier mark stood at 36 points, achieved during a win over Vermont in 2006.
Emma Row led Columbia’s offense with her first career hat trick and reached a personal best of eight points. Anna Becker scored five goals—a career high—while Maddie Brogan added four more. Cecelia Messner and Lilah Kirch each contributed hat tricks as well. Eliza Ekstrand scored her first collegiate goal, bringing the total number of different scorers for Columbia to nine during this game.
The Lions started strong by scoring eight goals in the opening quarter—the most they have managed since NCAA women’s lacrosse switched from two halves to four quarters after the pandemic pause. Becker recorded a first-quarter hat trick and was joined on the scoresheet by Messner, Row, Kirch, and Michelle Zhai as Columbia took an early lead.
By halftime, Columbia led Howard by nine goals after adding six more scores in the second quarter. The Lions continued their dominance through the third period and closed out with three additional goals in the final quarter.
Goalkeeper Ava Kimche played most of the game for Columbia and earned the win. Maddy Goger and Zara Allen each caused two turnovers to help limit Howard to six goals—its lowest output this season. Throughout the match, Columbia controlled possession by winning draws (23-8), outshooting Howard (28-10), and leading shots on goal (23-6).
Columbia will next play away at Yale University on Saturday, March 7 for its Ivy League opener.
“Columbia’s explosive start to the season continued Wednesday, as the Lions delivered another historic offensive performance at Kraft Field,” stated Columbia Athletics.
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