Wednesday, March 11
New York, N.Y.
3:00 p.m.
Columbia
6-2
19
vs
4
Rider
1-9
1
2
3
4
F
Rider
3
0
1
0
4
Columbia
7
3
5
4
19
Photo by: Columbia University Athletics / Perry Sosi
Messner Nets 100th Career Goal as Lacrosse Cruises Past Rider
3/11/2026 8:00:00 PM | Lacrosse
Zhai records career-high nine points as Kimche and Messner reach major milestones in dominant win
NEW YORK - The Columbia lacrosse team delivered a dominant performance Wednesday afternoon at Kraft Field, defeating Rider 19-4 as several Lions reached individual milestones in the victory.
With the win, the Lions improve to 5-2 on the season, while Rider falls to 1-8.
Michelle Zhai led the charge with a career-high nine points, scoring five goals. The five-goal outing matched her entire total from the 2025 season and set a new career best. She now ranks fifth on the program's all-time assist list with 59.
Maddie Brogan added four goals for the Lions, while Anna Becker recorded a hat trick. Cecelia Messner and Cordelia Flemming each scored twice, while Lilah Kirch, Riya Batra, and Emma Row also contributed goals.
Messner's performance also featured a major milestone, as the senior captain scored the 100th goal of her career, becoming just the ninth player in program history to reach the mark.
Rider struck first just 29 seconds into the game, but Columbia quickly responded and seized control of the opening quarter. The Lions scored seven times in the first period, including three goals from Brogan, to take a 7-3 lead after the opening frame.
Columbia's defense tightened in the second quarter, holding Rider scoreless while adding three goals to extend the advantage to 10-3 at halftime.
The Lions continued to pull away in the third quarter, outscoring Rider 5-1 to stretch the lead to 15-4 entering the final period.
Columbia closed out the game with four unanswered goals in the fourth quarter to secure the 19-4 victory.
In goal, Ava Kimche earned the win and reached a major career milestone, recording her 200th career save during the contest. The Lions' defense was strong throughout the afternoon, allowing just four goals, the fewest goals Columbia has allowed in a game since holding Central Connecticut State to four in 2023.
The Lions return to action this weekend when they travel west to face San Diego State on Sunday, March 15. Opening draw is set for 3 p.m. in California.
For the latest on Columbia lacrosse, follow @CULionsLax on Twitter and Instagram, and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
With the win, the Lions improve to 5-2 on the season, while Rider falls to 1-8.
LIONS WIN!!!!!
— Columbia Lacrosse (@CULionsLAX) March 11, 2026
Columbia's non-conference dominance continues as Messner continues her historic season!#RoarLionRoar pic.twitter.com/WmY9kzpkdG
Michelle Zhai led the charge with a career-high nine points, scoring five goals. The five-goal outing matched her entire total from the 2025 season and set a new career best. She now ranks fifth on the program's all-time assist list with 59.
Maddie Brogan added four goals for the Lions, while Anna Becker recorded a hat trick. Cecelia Messner and Cordelia Flemming each scored twice, while Lilah Kirch, Riya Batra, and Emma Row also contributed goals.
Messner's performance also featured a major milestone, as the senior captain scored the 100th goal of her career, becoming just the ninth player in program history to reach the mark.
Rider struck first just 29 seconds into the game, but Columbia quickly responded and seized control of the opening quarter. The Lions scored seven times in the first period, including three goals from Brogan, to take a 7-3 lead after the opening frame.
Columbia's defense tightened in the second quarter, holding Rider scoreless while adding three goals to extend the advantage to 10-3 at halftime.
The Lions continued to pull away in the third quarter, outscoring Rider 5-1 to stretch the lead to 15-4 entering the final period.
Columbia closed out the game with four unanswered goals in the fourth quarter to secure the 19-4 victory.
In goal, Ava Kimche earned the win and reached a major career milestone, recording her 200th career save during the contest. The Lions' defense was strong throughout the afternoon, allowing just four goals, the fewest goals Columbia has allowed in a game since holding Central Connecticut State to four in 2023.
The Lions return to action this weekend when they travel west to face San Diego State on Sunday, March 15. Opening draw is set for 3 p.m. in California.
For the latest on Columbia lacrosse, follow @CULionsLax on Twitter and Instagram, and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
Team Stats
RIDER
COLUMBIA
Shots
22
38
Turnovers
13
13
Caused Turnovers
6
9
Draw Controls
8
17
Free-Position Shots
3
1
Ground Balls
13
20
Game Leaders
G
5
A
4
FO
-
Pen
-
GB
0
CT
0
G
4
A
2
FO
-
Pen
-
GB
0
CT
0
G
3
A
0
FO
-
Pen
-60
GB
0
CT
0
G
2
A
3
FO
-
Pen
-
GB
1
CT
2
Players Mentioned
M
/ Lacrosse
M
/ Lacrosse
A
/ Lacrosse
M
/ Lacrosse
GK
/ Lacrosse
M
/ Lacrosse
M
/ Lacrosse
A
/ LacrosseHighlights: LAX | Columbia 19, Rider 4
Wednesday, March 11
Highlights: LAX | Columbia 23, Howard 6
Wednesday, March 04
Highlights: LAX | Columbia 19, Lafayette 10
Wednesday, February 18
Highlights: LAX | Columbia vs Wagner
Wednesday, April 02
