Columbia
3-0
Lafayette
1-2
Messner’s 11-Point Masterpiece Powers Lacrosse to a Historic 19-10 Win over Lafayette
2/18/2026 9:15:00 PM | Lacrosse
The Lions totaled 33 points, the program's highest point total in 20 years
NEW YORK - Columbia lacrosse delivered one of the most explosive performances in program history Wednesday afternoon. The Lions overwhelmed Lafayette 19-10 in their 2026 home opener at Kraft Field behind a record-tying 11-point performance from Cecelia Messner.
"It is great to have another decisive win," head coach Anne Murray said. "It's a strong offensive performance with some great defensive stands. We need to keep tightening up all over the field so we can keep controlling the outcome of these games."
With the win, Columbia improves to 2-0, while Lafayette drops to 1-1.
LIONS WIN!!!!!!
— Columbia Lacrosse (@CULionsLAX) February 18, 2026
Columbia improves to 2-0 behind another historic performance from Messner! #RoarLionRoar pic.twitter.com/imU4mipr0o
Messner finished with five goals and six assists, matching the single-game program record for points and assists. Her 11-point outing marks the second-highest total by any NCAA Division I player this season and vaulted her into a tie for ninth on Columbia's all-time career points list with Adie Moll.
"Cece has stacked a great performance on Saturday with another one today," Murray said. "She continues to elevate her game, and balancing out her play with assists is what it will take for her to keep climbing our charts."
The Lions' 33 total points were their most in a game since 2006 against Vermont, underscoring the magnitude of the offensive eruption. Columbia's 19 goals were also its most since a 20-11 victory over LIU Brooklyn in 2014. Three Lions, Maddie Brogan, Messner and Anna Becker, each scored at least five goals, marking the first time since at least 2009 that Columbia has had three players reach the five-goal mark in the same game.
Messner anchored an offense that was relentless from the opening whistle, tying her career high in goals and setting a new career high in assists. Brogan erupted for a career-best five goals, while Becker matched that total and added two assists for a career-high seven points. Freshman Lilah Kirch delivered a breakout performance of her own, recording her first career goal and finishing with her first career hat trick.
Brogan opened the scoring just 42 seconds into the contest, setting the tone for what would become a relentless offensive display. After Lafayette briefly pulled even, the Lions answered immediately and began to separate, stringing together scoring runs that put the Leopards on their heels for the remainder of the afternoon.
By halftime, Columbia had built a 10-5 advantage behind balanced scoring and crisp ball movement. The Lions then slammed the door in the third quarter, conceding just one goal while Messner, Kirch and Michelle Zhai stretched the margin to 13-6.
Any remaining doubt was erased in the fourth. Columbia poured in six more goals over the final 15 minutes, turning a comfortable lead into a definitive statement win and capping one of the most prolific offensive outings in program history.
In goal, Ava Kimche played all 60 minutes and made seven saves to earn the win. Columbia outshot Lafayette 39-29 and held a 20-17 edge in shots on goal. The Lions controlled the draw circle 18-12, forced 12 Lafayette turnovers, caused eight turnovers and went 15-of-17 on clears in the victory.
"We are excited to keep pushing this group forward and are ready to get back to work," Murray said.
Columbia continues its homestand Sunday, February 22 against Lehigh. Opening draw at Kraft Field is set for 12 p.m.
