NEW YORK — Halloween ended up being all treats for the Columbia field hockey team after the Lions posted a pair of fourth quarter goals to earn a 2-1 victory over Rider on Senior Night.
Maya Walker scored the game-winner with 41 seconds remaining in regulation to even Columbia's record at 8-8.
After the 10 members of the Lions' senior class were honored during a pregame ceremony, Columbia came out strong and nearly took an early lead.
Jaimie McCormick had an early chance with a lot of open room, but her hard shot rang off the post to keep the game scoreless. The Lions controlled possession much of the period and held the Broncs (11-7) without a shot after 15 minutes of action.
However, Rider picked things up in the second and third quarters and generated seven corner opportunities. In the 43
rd minute, the Broncs finally grabbed the lead. Carly Brosious dribbled around the circle to create space and ripped a shot that went off the blocker of senior
Amanda Jordan, who entered the game at the start of the third, and popped over her head and into the net.
The fourth quarter saw momentum start to shift back Columbia's way. In the 54
th minute,
Sophie Rockefeller began a breakout in the attacking zone and centered to Walker just outside the circle. Walker connected with senior
Kelsey Farkas, who's diving reverse shot evened things up.
On the Lions' ninth corner of the evening, McCormick's insert was placed by
Elizabeth Brissette and sent home by Walker for her third of the season.
Alexa Conomikes made five saves in 45 minutes of action to pick up the win. Jordan made a pair of saves in the first appearance of the year.
Columbia wraps up the 2021 campaign at Princeton on Saturday, November 6 at 1 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on
ESPN+.
For the latest on Columbia field hockey, follow
@CULionsFH on social media and
GoColumbiaLions.com for more updates.
