Columbia
San Diego State
Lacrosse Holds Off San Diego State, 17-15
3/15/2026 10:30:00 PM | Lacrosse
Brogan scores five, Zhai collects 100th career point
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Columbia lacrosse held off a late push from San Diego State to earn a 17-15 victory Sunday afternoon at Aztec Field.
With the win, the Lions improve to 6-2 on the season, while the Aztecs fall to 1-6.
LIONS WIN!!!
— Columbia Lacrosse (@CULionsLAX) March 15, 2026
Columbia gets its spring break started with a clutch 17-15 victory over the Aztecs!#RoarLionRoar pic.twitter.com/X9PikSKsIv
San Diego State struck first, but Columbia responded quickly as Cecelia Messner evened the score less than 30 seconds later. The Lions found their rhythm late in the opening quarter, scoring four goals in the final 3:30, including tallies from Maddie Brogan, Messner and Emma Row, to take a 5-3 lead after the first period.
The Lions continued to build momentum in the second quarter. Anna Becker scored twice in the period and Messner added another goal as Columbia extended its advantage to 9-6 before the Aztecs scored twice in the final minute of the half to trim the lead to 9-8 at the break.
San Diego State tied the game early in the third quarter, but Columbia answered with a four-goal surge behind scores from Brogan, Row and Becker to regain control and carry a 13-11 lead into the fourth.
The Lions maintained their edge down the stretch despite several late pushes from the Aztecs. Cordelia Flemming and Grace Hoverman each scored in the final period before Brogan sealed the win with a free-position goal with 2:36 remaining.
Brogan led the Lions offensively with five goals, while Messner delivered a standout performance with four goals and four assists for eight points. Becker added three goals and an assist, and Row contributed two goals and two assists. Michelle Zhai chipped in an assist, which was her 100th career point.
In goal, Ava Kimche played all 60 minutes and recorded seven saves. Natalia Raiszadeh collected a career-high five draw controls and career-high four caused turnovers.
Columbia finished with advantages in shots (32-25) and clears, going a perfect 14-for-14 on the afternoon, and added eight more total assists adding to their NCAA leading assist per game ratio.
The Lions return to action on Saturday as they resume Ivy League play against Cornell in Ithaca.
For the latest on Columbia lacrosse, follow @CULionsLax on Twitter and Instagram, and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
