NEW YORK — Using goals from sophomore forward Mallaika Tomar and junior midfielder Cayla Davis, the Columbia women's soccer team picked up its third-straight victory, defeating Saint Joseph's 2-1 at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium on a misty Thursday evening.
 
With the win, Columbia rises to 3-1-1 on the season, while the Hawks fall to 3-3-1 overall. The triumph marked the Lions' first in the series since 2014, leveling the all-time record between the programs at two apiece.
 
"Saint Joe's every year for us has been a one-goal fight to the end and I've got to give them a lot of credit. Our team knew that. Walking away with a win is a big growing moment for our program," said sixth-year Columbia head coach following the match. "It's the kind of thing we haven't gotten over sometimes, so to see that happen and some of the performances to get that second goal when we could've gone down. Just so proud of their response, continuing to fight."
 
After nearly netting the opening goal in the 24th minute with a shot off the far post, Tomar broke through in the 42nd minute to give the Lions a 1-0 lead just before halftime. From Columbia's defensive half, senior defender Amalya Johnson sent a long ball ahead to Tomar who won the ball at the top of the box, fighting past two defenders and sliding the ball into the bottom left corner with her left foot. The goal was Tomar's second of the season.
 
The Lions were equalized in the 61st minute as Saint Joseph's Kendal Trickey sent in a header off a corner kick from Kasia Kwitnieski. The Hawks were on the brink of converting another corner kick in the 65th minute, but Tomar was there to make the save off the line.
 
Columbia's game-winner came in the 71st minute when Davis notched her second goal of the season. Saint Joseph's keeper Emily Cuccio dove out to stop junior forward Jordyn Geller's sharp cross from distance. Davis was there to collect the rebound, sliding through and crashing the ball into the middle of the goal.
 
First-year Columbia keeper Liz Matei earns her third win in goal after making five saves in the outing, four of which came in the second half.
 
After outshooting the Hawks 9-1 in the first half, Saint Joseph's fired off 12 shots to Columbia's 3 in the second stanza. The Hawks also held a 9-3 advantage in corner kicks.
 
On Sunday, the Lions will make the quick trip to Hempstead, New York, to face off against defending CAA champion Hofstra at 1 p.m.
 
For the latest on the Columbia women's soccer program, follow @ColumbiaWSoccer on Twitter and Instagram, on Facebook at Facebook.com/ColumbiaWSoccer and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.