NEW YORK -- Senior Sydney Paoletti recorded her first collegiate hat trick as the Columbia lacrosse team (2-3) fell to Monmouth (3-2) on Robert Kraft Field. In a game largely decided by the second half, Paoletti's pair of first half goals kept the Lions within one (9-8) through the first 30 minutes of play. The senior capitalized minutes into the third quarter, tying the game at nine all, before Monmouth pulled ahead courtesy of a four-goal streak.

Classmate Rachel Graff recorded a hat trick of her own, first finding the net in off a pass from Paoletti just over five minutes into regulation. Columbia's leading scorer went on to produce a second quarter goal, with an assist from fellow senior Katie Lutz, before recording a solo mark in the fourth.

Senior Payton Lill and first-year Kate Cunning scored two goals a piece while each capitalizing on a free position opportunity. 

In net, senior goalkeeper Ryan Schlageter made a career-best 17 saves on 35 shots on goal. For Monmouth, junior Kennedy Fruit was forced to make five saves on 17 attempts.

Columbia hits the road for the first time this season on Saturday. The Lions will travel to the University of New Hampshire for a 1:00 P.M. start.

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