NEW YORK -- The Columbia lacrosse team (3-7) returned home on Thursday afternoon for a non-conference contest against UNH at Robert K. Kraft Field. Despite a great start on offense in the first quarter, the Lions were defeated by the Wildcats (3-6), who came from behind to win 13-8.

Ellie Taylor and Cordelia Flemming had three points each (two goals and one assist) to lead Columbia's attack. Dani Falcone also had two goals on the afternoon, while Cecelia Messner and Annalisa Massaro added one goal each. 

The Lions' offense had an explosive start to the game, scoring the first three goals of the afternoon. Massaro struck first, and then Falcone scored back-to-back goals to give Columbia a 3-0 lead just five minutes into the game, but New Hampshire had a quick answer. The Wildcats responded with a 3-0 run of their own to tie the game at 3-3, but the Lions would score two goals in the final minute of the quarter, highlighted by a beautiful goal from Messner with just 18 ticks left on the clock. 

Flemming would open the second quarter with back-to-back goals of her own to extend Columbia's lead to four goals, and Taylor would cap a 5-0 run for the Lions with a goal at the 4:39 mark of the second quarter. At this point, Columbia led 8-3, but UNH would seize control of the game from that point on. 

Sydney Sventy put an end to Columbia's run, scoring two unanswered goals before halftime to trim the Wildcat's deficit to three at the break. UNH would hold the Lions scoreless throughout the duration of the second half, going on an extended 10-0 run to come from behind and earn a 13-8 victory. 

Goalkeeper Ella Sangree notched six saves for Columbia. Falcone had a team-high five draw controls. Julie Griswold had a solid game on defense, collecting a team-high three caused turnovers and two ground balls. Adèle Swason grabbed three ground balls. 

The Lions will be right back at it on Saturday night, as they host UConn for a non-conference contest under the lights at Robert K. Kraft Field. Columbia's pride game will begin at 7 p.m.

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