NEW YORK -- The Columbia lacrosse team hosted their season finale at Robert K. Kraft Field on Saturday afternoon against Yale. The game was played in a downpour, and the Lions struggled to find their footing on senior day as the Bulldogs ran away with a 19-5 victory.
First-year Cordelia Flemming's performance was a major bright spot for the team, as she netted the second hat trick of her young career.
Yale took control of the game early, opening the game with six unanswered goals in the first quarter. Late in the period, Flemming was the first Lion to find the back of the net as she scored a goal off an assist from senior Lindsay Schuster with 1:16 left in the first quarter.
The Bulldogs opened the second quarter on a 4-0 run before senior Gianna Danese scored her first and only goal of the afternoon. Yale ended the first half with three more quick goals to stifle Columbia's momentum.
The third quarter saw Yale expand its lead to 16-2 before Flemming scored her second goal of the afternoon on an assist from Danese.
In the fourth quarter, Yale's Charlotte Callahan notched a hat trick, while Flemming also secured her own hat trick with her third goal of the afternoon. First-year Cecelia Messner scored the Lions' last goal of the season with less than a minute left in the match.
Yale entered this matchup in a four-way tie for third place in the Ivy League, and secured a spot in the postseason with the win. This match marked the Bulldogs' third straight victory over Columbia.
Goalkeeper Ella Sangree finished the game with three saves, giving her 121 for the season. Swanson had a solid final game, collecting a team-high three draw controls and two caused turnovers.
SENIOR DAY
Despite the rain, after the match concluded the Lions held a ceremony to honor their nine seniors: Lindsay Schuster, Ella Sangree, Adèle Swanson, Isabel Sondey, Kayla Nitahara, Claire Briglio, Gianna Danese, Justine Decker, and Madison Levinson.
"The Class of 2023 persevered through a pause in their playing career due to the restrictions of COVID-19," Head Coach Anne Murray said. "They have been instrumental in solidifying a culture of support and perseverance for the Columbia Lacrosse program and we are honored to recognize these women today."
WHAT'S NEXT
The Lions conclude the 2023 season with a 3-12 overall record. There were many positives Columbia can take away from this season, including an impressive first year class that has been a major bright spot. Cecelia Messner led the team in goals (25) and points (30). Cordelia Flemming was third on the team with 19 goals and 22 points. Annalisa Massaro was fourth on the team with 16 points. The Lions will be back and ready to go in 2024.
For the latest on Columbia lacrosse, follow @CULionsLax on Twitter and Instagram, and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
