NEW YORK — For the first time in program history, Columbia field hockey is off to a 6-0 start. The Lions earned a 2-0 shutout victory over Colgate Sunday thanks to goals from
Lindsey Yu and
Ellie Decker as well as four saves from
Alexa Conomikes.
The Lions' six-straight wins also ties the school record for longest winning streak, previously set in the 2012 and 2014 seasons. Columbia now turns its attention to No. 13 Harvard, who will visit the Baker Athletics Complex Friday, September 23, to begin Ivy League play.
The Raiders (0-5) got off to a strong start in the first quarter, forcing Conomikes to make a pair of saves in the opening minutes. However, the Lions settled in later in the frame and did all of their damage in the second quarter.
Off a corner,
Brooke Gasser's hit from the circle was swiped at by
Lindsey Yu, who charged in from the left side and buried the chance for her third goal of the year to open the scoring in the 16
th minute. Columbia doubled the advantage eight minutes later after a forced turnover and feed from
Meg Bowen to
Elizabeth Brissette at the top of the circle. The Raiders goalkeeper Anna Unger came way out to try and make a play, leaving
Ellie Decker alone in front for her third tally.
The Lions continued to generate chances in the third, but Unger turned away a pair of shots to keep it a 2-0 contest. In the fourth, Colgate turned up the pressure on offense and drew three corners in the period. With time running short for the Raiders, Conomikes made the save of the season diving to her right to deny a hard shot off a corner to preserve the clean sheet.
Conomikes earned her second career shutout, the first ironically was a loss to Fairifeld in 2019 after Columbia fell in a shootout. Yu led all players with four shots, all on target, with Decker right behind with three attempts.
Columbia's game against the Crimson is set for a 6 p.m. start. All fans planning on attending Sunday's contest must be vaccinated and are required to wear a mask. For Columbia's complete venue policies, please
click here. The game will also be broadcast live on ESPN+.
For the latest on Columbia field hockey, follow
@CULionsFH on social media and
GoColumbiaLions.com for more updates.