NEW YORK — The Columbia field hockey team picked up its third straight win after topping LIU, 3-1, Friday afternoon. The Lions scored 1:16 into the game and never looked back to improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2010.
 
The Sharks (1-2) wound up with a 12-10 edge in shots, but only put three on target and Alexa Conomikes made two stops to pick up the victory in net.
 
An early turnover gave the ball to Columbia and the Lions patiently worked their way up the field to set up the first score. Lily Baker worked it to Jaimie McCormick going down the left side. McCormick fed Anabelle Brodeur on the wing for a near-side shot that rattled in for the sophomore's second of the season.
 
The Lions continued to control play in the opening quarter, but could not extend the lead until the 26^th minute. Ellie Decker, who just misfired with an open net earlier in the game, got redemption after tipping in a Kelsey Farkas' reverse shot to double the advantage. Farkas wove from the right side into the middle of the circle and fired a shot to the right side that Decker was able to tip home.
 
Four minutes into the third quarter, Kennedy Sholeen maneuvered her near the end line on the left and shoveled a pass to Elizabeth Brissette in front. Brissette quickly settled the ball and ripped one by the netminder on one knee to extend the lead to 3-0.
 
LIU, who had a good amount of possession for much of the game, was finally able to generate some offense in the second half. However, Columbia's defense limited chances for the most part until the Sharks broke up the shutout bid in the 56^th minute.
 
Emilce Paez took the ball down the right side and centered to Kaitlyn Olton, who had position in front from close range. Olton recovered the bouncing pass and snuck it through to cut the deficit to two.
 
The Lions finished the contest strong, holding LIU to no shot attempts in the final moments to close things out.
 
Columbia has scored first in all three games, has not trailed and scored in 9-of-12 quarters this season.
 
The Lions will hit the road for the first time this season when they take on UAlbany Sunday, September 12 at 1 p.m. The game can be seen live on AE.TV.
 
For the latest on Columbia field hockey, follow @CULionsFH on social media and GoColumbiaLions.com for more updates.