SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Senior midfielder Lindsey Ewertsen scored a career-high five goals and sophomore attacker Chelsea Witteck posted her first career hat trick to lead the Columbia lacrosse team to a 12-9 victory over Arizona State at Bemis Field in Scottsdale, Arizona on Friday night.
 
With the victory, Columbia improves to 2-1 on the young season, while Arizona State falls to 1-1 overall.
 
It took some time for the Lions to find their rhythm as Arizona State raced ahead to early 4-0 and 5-2 leads. With 10:37 remaining in the first half, junior midfielder Fallon Quinn found the goal to ignite an offensive outburst for the Lions. Columbia used goals from Quinn, Witteck and Evertsen to tie things up at 6-all with :50 remaining in the half.
 
After collecting the draw control, Ewertsen raced down the field and slotted the ball into the goal to help Columbia take a 7-6 lead before heading to the locker room. The Lions would not trail again in the contest.
 
Out of the halftime break, Alison Schwasnick netted back-to-back goals to help lengthen Columbia's lead. After senior Laine Parsons sent in a free-position goal, the Sun Devils attempted to stage a comeback, coming within one at 10-9 before Ewertsen quickly recorded a pair of insurance goals to secure Columbia's second win of the season.
 
For the first time this season, Columbia limited its opponent to single-digit scoring while eclipsing the 12-goal mark for the third time in as many games.
 
First-year Ryan Schlageter recorded her second win in goal of the season, making five saves in the first half. Junior Abby Roberts played the second half at goalkeeper for the Lions, making three stops and allowing only three goals.
 
Ewertsen ended the game with an impressive six points on five goals and one assist, plus a game-high five draw controls, eight ground balls and eight caused turnovers. Already Columbia's career leader in caused turnovers, her eight against the Sun Devils brought her total to 103 to become the first player in program history with over 100 caused turnovers.
 
The Lions will have a short turnaround before facing off against San Diego State on Sunday at 2 p.m. MST. The game is scheduled to be played at the Sun Devil Soccer/Lacrosse Stadium in Tempe.
 
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