NEW YORK - The Columbia lacrosse team is set to open the 2024 season on Saturday afternoon, with a clash against the Lafayette Leopards at Robert K. Kraft Field. Opening draw is scheduled for 1 p.m.


LAST SEASON
The Lions are coming off a 3-12 season in 2023, with a 0-7 mark in Ivy League play. 

In what was the second year under the leadership of Head Coach Anne Murray and her staff, Columbia improved upon its win total from the year prior for the second consecutive season, a sign of good things to come. 

Another one of these signs that things are headed in the right direction is last year's shining group of first-years. In just their first season in the program, the first-year Lions combined for nearly half of the team's goals (61 of 130), and collected a whopping 19 assists, 66 ground balls, 26 caused turnovers, and 47 draw controls. Improvements can only be expected in year two. 

After being pegged eighth in the 2024 Ivy League Preseason Poll, the Lions will be looking to prove people wrong once again as they enter the third season under the direction of Murray. This will include an attempt to earn the program's first Ivy League victory since 2019. 


NEW FACES
Seven newcomers joined the Lions over the summer, ready to make an impact on and off the field in the 2024 season, just as the class of 2026 did last year. 

"The class of 2027 comes to campus with such great pride in their hearts for Columbia and the Lions!" Head Coach Anne Murray said. "They are energetic, dynamic, and such balanced threats on the field. Hailing from seven different states, each player brings their own style that will greatly contribute to this team and our program in the years to come. We couldn't be more proud to welcome them to the Lions Lacrosse family and wait with tremendous anticipation for the years ahead. We are ready to see these student-athletes hit the ground running and expect them to make an impact right away!"

For more information on the entire class of 2027, click HERE. 


CAPTAINS
Columbia named three captains ahead of the 2024 season. Lauren Yun returns in a second stint as captain for the Lions, and she will be joined by first-time captains Sophie Zachara and Ellie Eisner

"Lauren, Sophie, and Ellie bring a great balance to the role of captain," Murray said. "Their leadership styles are true compliments of each other. They are passionate, dedicated, and hungry for the season ahead. These three will serve as selfless examples for their teammates to follow on and off the field! Meanwhile, their stewardship and their play will push this program forward!"

For more on this talented trio of captains, click HERE. 


KEY RETURNERS
On offense, the Lions are returning their top-five goal scorers from last season. Cecelia Messner led the pack with 25, while All-Ivy Honorable Mention honoree Dani Falcone had 22 to go with a team-high seven assists. Cordelia Flemming (19), Kate Cunning (11), and Sophie Zachara round out the top-five. 

Julie Griswold leads the group of returners on the defensive side of the field in 2024. The 2023 Second Team All-Ivy honoree led the team with 13 caused turnovers last season and also had 13 ground balls. Captain Ellie Eisner, 11 caused turnovers and 17 ground balls in 2023, along with rising-star sophomore Alison Surace, six caused turnovers and seven ground balls in 2023, also figure to play an important role on this year's defense. 

Columbia's top-three draw control leaders also return in Falcone (34), Flemming (29), and Ellie Taylor (28). 

Emma Neclerio and Simone Koryszewski join newcomer Ava Kimche as the Lions' trio of goalkeepers heading into 2024.  


SCOUTING LAFAYETTE
Saturday's contest will also be Lafayette's season opener. The Leopards finished 2023 with a 2-15 overall record, and a 1-8 mark in the Patriot League. 

Columbia and Lafayette also squared off in the 2023 season opener, with the Lions coming out on top, 15-12, in Easton, Pennsylvania. Cecelia Messner and the Leopards' Sara Rogers both had a game-high four goals in the contest. 

Lafayette was picked to finish last in the 2024 Patriot League Preseason Poll, after finishing last in the conference last season. 

The Leopards' second leading goal scorer, Rogers (22), along with Lindsay Geiger, who was their leader in draw controls (56) and caused turnovers (13), will be back for the 2024 season. 


ON DECK
Columbia will continue the 2024 season next weekend at Kraft Field when the Monmouth Hawks will trek over the George Washington Bridge to Kraft Field for a battle at 1 p.m.

The Lions' full 2024 schedule can be found HERE. 


HOW TO FOLLOW
All Columbia home games and all Ivy League contests will be streamed via ESPN+. You can find tomorrow's game HERE.

Live stats will be available via gocolumbialions.com, HERE. 

For the latest on Columbia lacrosse, follow @CULionsLax on Twitter and Instagram, on Facebook at Facebook.com/ColumbiaLax and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.