Lacrosse beat UNH Thursday afternoon

NEW YORK — The Columbia lacrosse team (3-7) returned home Thursday afternoon for a non-conference contest against UNH at Robert K. Kraft Field. Despite a great offensive performance in the first quarter, the Lions were outmatched by the Wildcats (3-6), who came from behind to win 13-8.

Ellie Taylor and Cordelia Flemming had three points (two goals and one assist) to lead Columbia’s offense. Dani Falcone also scored two goals on the afternoon Cecelia Messner and Annalisa Massaro each added one goal.

The Lions offense started the game with a bang, scoring the first three goals of the afternoon. Massaro struck first and then Falcone scored back-to-back goals to give Columbia a 3-0 lead after just five minutes, but New Hampshire had a quick answer. The Wildcats responded with a 3-0 run of their own to tie the game at 3-3, but the Lions scored twice in the final minute of the quarter, highlighted by a beautiful goal by Messner with just 18 left on the clock. .

Flemming opened the second quarter with back-to-back goals of her own to extend Columbia’s lead to four goals, and Taylor capped a 5-0 run against the Lions with a goal at the 4:39 mark of the second quarter. At this point, Columbia led 8-3, but UNH took control of the game from then on.

Sydney Sventy ended Columbia’s run, scoring two unanswered goals before Halftime to cut the Wildcat deficit to three at the break. UNH held the Lions scoreless throughout the second half, going on an extended 10-0 run to come from behind and win 13-8.

Keeperhe is bleeding fended off six Columbia. Falcone had a team-high five draws. Julie Griswold played a solid game on defense, tallying a team-high three caused turnovers and two ground balls. Adèle Swason caught three ground balls.

The Lions are back at it Saturday night when they host UConn for a non-conference contest under the lights at Robert K. Kraft Field. The Columbia pride game starts at 7 p.m

For the latest on Columbia lacrosse, follow @CULionsLaxon on Twitter and Instagram, and online atGoColumbiaLions.com.