NEW YORK - The Columbia lacrosse team hit the road for the first time in 2024 on Saturday afternoon, traveling to Philadelphia to take on #13 Penn. The Quakers came away with a 16-5 victory in what was both team's first Ivy League game of the season.

The Lions struck first, as first-year Michelle Zhai found the back of the net to give Columbia an early 1-0 lead. However, the Quakers would have a quick response scoring four unanswered goals to take a 4-1 lead. 

With less than 10 seconds to play in the first quarter, Dani Falcone won a draw and quickly passed up field to Anna Becker who beat the keeper to cut Penn's lead to just two goals heading into the second quarter. 

The Quakers would seize control of the game in the second, scoring five goals while holding the Lions scoreless. Penn led 9-2 at the half, and it would be too much for Columbia to overcome. 

Natalia Raiszadeh and Cecelia Messner scored back-to-back goals less than a minute a part in the third quarter, and Julia Sullivan found the back of the net later in the period, but that would be the Lions' final goal of the afternoon. Penn's defense held Columbia scoreless again in the fourth quarter, as the Quakers went on to win 16-5. 

Falcone led Columbia with two points and two assists in the game, while five different Lions found the back of the net. Cordelia Flemming caused three turnovers and scooped up three ground balls. Messner added a team-high two draw controls and one caused turnover. First-year goalkeeper Ava Kimche had a career-high seven saves. 

Columbia will have a short turnaround, and look to bounce back on Wednesday, March 6 when the Villanova Wildcats venture to New York City for a midweek clash at Kraft Field. First draw is set for 6 p.m.

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