NEW YORK -- The Columbia lacrosse team (2-0) will welcome the Bryant University Bulldogs (0-1) on Saturday for a 1:00 P.M. matchup on Robert K. Kraft Field at the Baker Athletic Complex. Fans in attendance are expected to abide by the Columbia Athletics Spectator and Venue policies, outlined on
GoColumbiaLions.com. Remote viewers can tune in live on
ESPN+ or follow live stats via
GoColumbiaLions.com.
Here are five things to know ahead of first draw:
STRONG START
With a 2-0 record, courtesy of wins over Manhattan and LIU, the Lions have achieved their best start since 2010. Under first year head coach
Anne Murray, Columbia has battled to a nearly unprecedented pair of opening victories. A victory on Saturday will prepare the Lions to contend with the programs' best start since 2009 (5-0).
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
In the midst of a five-game home stand, the Lions have proven comfortable in Lawrence Wien Stadium. Columbia will welcome its first league-rival, Brown, next Saturday before hosting Monmouth on Tuesday, March 8. Murray's squad will hit the road for the first time on March 12, traveling to Durham, NH to meet the University of New Hampshire.
TRACKING FIRSTS
With two classes making their debuts at the collegiate level this season, Columbia's first few games have been filled with "firsts". Sophomore
Lauren Yun earned her first collegiate start against LIU, contributing a ground ball and pair of caused turnovers in the process. Additionally,
Kayla Nitahara dished out her first career assist in the essential one-goal win.
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Seniors
Katie Lutz and
Rachel Graff lead the Lions in goals scored (5), while Lutz' assist against Manhattan gives her the overall point advantage (6). Classmates
Payton Lill and
Sydney Paoletti pace the program in assists (2), while
Kate Kelly boasts a perfect 1.000 shot percentage.
THE OPPONENT
Bryant has played one game thus far, falling to Brown, 11-14, on the road. The Bulldogs were paced by Kenna Kaut who recorded three goals on eight shots (4 SOG). Teammates Skylar Simmonds and Alexa Weber followed close behind with two goals a piece.
As a member of the Northeast Conference (NEC) the Bulldogs competed a complete schedule last season. They amassed a 7-6 record punctuated by a run into the NEC tournament semifinal round.
For the latest on Columbia lacrosse, follow @Columbia_Lax on Twitter, @CULionsLAX on Instagram, on Facebook at Facebook.com/ColumbiaLax and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
