NEW YORK, N.Y. - In its season opener, the women's soccer team fell to Quinnipiac, 1-0 in a hard-fought match that Columbia dominated statistically. Although the Lions outshot Quinnipiac 15-4, Kelly Normandy's goal in the 56th minute proved to be the game-winner in spite of Columbia having many offensive chances.

Columbia controlled play early, keeping the ball in the Quinnipiac zone throughout much of the first half. The offensive push culminated in a penalty kick taken by Emma Judkins that sailed just high of the net and hit the crossbar. At the end of the half, Columbia had outshot Quinnipiac 12-0.

The Bobcats began to test the Lion defense in the second half and Normandy eventually broke free down the right side and scored the match's lone goal in the 56th minute.

As was the case in the first half, the Lions had their opportunities in the second half, with the best one coming on Jana Whiting's blast from outside the box in the 68th minute. Whiting's shot appeared to be headed for the bottom right corner of the goal but Quinnipiac keeper Sarah Lusto made a headlong dive to her right and knocked the ball away to hold the lead.

Columbia will return to action on Sunday, September 4 in the second day of the Columbia Soccer Tournament when the Lions will take on Bucknell at 2 p.m.