NEW YORK -- Junior Kayla Nitahara recorded a hat trick while dishing out an assist in her first collegiate start as Columbia (2-5) fell 21-13 to Iona (6-1) on Robert K. Kraft Field. The Lions excelled in the first half, bringing the score within one goal (10-9) after the second before the Gaels exploded with an 11-goal second half.

Also finding the back of the net thrice was senior captain Katie Lutz who boasted a perfect shot percentage, finding capitalizing on all three attempts. Lutz ended the day with four draw controls, three ground balls, and two caused turnovers.

First-year Kate Cunning contributed three points, scoring twice and assisting on Nitahara's second tally. Classmate Dani Falcone also scored twice, doing so while leading the Lions in draw controls (5). Seniors Kate Kelly and Rachel Graff rounded out Columbia's group of goal-scorers, combining for three marks.

Off the bench, Ellie Eisner collected a game-leading four ground balls and posted one shot on goal.

Senior co-captain Ryan Schlageter earned the start in net, playing 46 minutes and making eight saves. Junior Madison Levinson played nearly 14 minutes in relief, turning away her first shot of the season.

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.