NEW YORK -- First-year Cordelia Flemming had four goals and sophomores Dylan Silar and Kate Cunning each had a hat trick as Columbia jumped out to an early lead and never looked back in a dominant 16-4 win over Central Connecticut State in the 2023 season home-opener.
The win makes for a 2-0 start for Columbia for the second straight season under second-year head coach
Anne Murray. This marks the first time since the 2009 and 2010 seasons where the Lions had back-to-back seasons with 2-0 starts.
"The team fought a gritty CCSU in some tough weather today, and played together," Head Coach
Anne Murray said. I am really proud of how we played today despite the elements."
Flemming opened up the scoring for Columbia before CCSU tied things up at 1-1. It's as close as the Blue Devils would get as the Lions took a 5-2 after the first quarter.
"Balanced scoring and a strong defensive performance united us from one end to the other," Murray continued.
While the game began in freezing rain and hail on Robert K. Kraft Field and Lawrence Wien Stadium, the Lions didn't let it ruin their parade as they jumped out to a 6-3 lead at the half.
As the skies cleared, Columbia's goals started raining down, leading 12-4 after a six-goal third quarter. By early in the fourth quarter, Columbia (2-0) held a 10-goal advantage over CCSU (0-2).
Although it was a great showing by the offense, Columbia's defense cannot be overstated. Limiting the Blue Devils to just three goals and seven shots on goal in the game,
Justine Decker led the way with an impressive four caused turnovers and six ground balls.
Julie Griswold and
Ellie Eisner had two caused turnovers each.
Serena Hong and
Sophie Zachara each had three draw controls to pace the Lions.
Columbia's defense allowed just one free position shot in the game, while the Lions converted four-of-six of their own free position attempts. As a team, the Lions' defense forced 21 Blue Devil turnovers and five failed clears.
Ella Sangree was an anchor in net once again, earning her second win of the season and picking up two saves in the process.
"We will sleep well tonight, and then we will be back at it tomorrow to prepare for this weekend against Monmouth," Murray concluded.
The Lions will be back in action at Monmouth on Saturday, February 25 at 1 p.m. in West Long Branch, New Jersey.
For the latest on Columbia lacrosse, follow @CULionsLax on Twitter and Instagram, and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
Matt Sugam '23 SPS has been covering sports in the NY metropolitan area for over a decade. He has spent the last nine years covering college and professional sports as a stringer for the Associated Press and contributing to The New York Times, USA Today Network, NJ.com, and SNY.tv. He's covering Lions Athletics for gocolumbialions.com while pursuing an M.S. in Strategic Communication at Columbia SPS. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Visit his website at www.mattsugam.com
