Columbia
4-1
Howard
1-5
Lacrosse's Offensive Explosion Leads to Historic 23-6 Victory over Howard
3/4/2026 7:45:00 PM | Lacrosse
Lions tally most goals, most points, and largest margin of victory in program history behind Row's eight-point breakout
NEW YORK – Columbia lacrosse's explosive start to the season continued Wednesday, as the Lions delivered another historic offensive performance at Kraft Field. Columbia defeated Howard 23-6 while setting program records for most goals, most points and largest margin of victory.
With the win, the Lions improve to 4-1 on the season, their best start since opening the 2009 campaign at 5-1, while Howard falls to 1-5.
Columbia's 23 goals marked the most in a single game in program history, surpassing the previous record of 21 set against La Salle in 2008. The 17-goal margin also stands as the largest margin of victory in program history and the program's biggest win since a 17-2 triumph over Wagner in 1999.
The Lions finished with 38 total points on the afternoon, another program record that previously stood at 36 in a 20-15 win over Vermont in 2006.
Emma Row led the offensive outburst with a breakout performance, recording her first career hat trick and a career-high eight points. Anna Becker added a career-high five goals, while Maddie Brogan scored four times. Cecelia Messner and Lilah Kirch each notched hat tricks, and Eliza Ekstrand netted the first goal of her collegiate career. Nine different Lions scored in the record-setting win.
Columbia also made history early, scoring eight goals in the opening quarter, the most first-quarter goals the Lions gave scored since NCAA women's lacrosse transitioned from two halves to four quarters post-covid. Columbia jumped out to an early lead behind a first-quarter hat trick from Becker, along with goals from Messner, Row, Kirch and Michelle Zhai to take an 8-1 advantage after the opening frame.
The Lions continued to build their lead in the second quarter, adding six goals to carry a 14-5 advantage into halftime.
Columbia maintained control in the third period, outscoring Howard 6-1 to extend the lead to 20-6 entering the fourth quarter. The Lions added three more goals in the final period to seal the record-setting victory.
In goal, Ava Kimche earned the win after playing the majority of the game for Columbia. Maddy Goger and Zara Allen each had two caused turnovers, helping limit the Bison to a season-low six goals. The Lions controlled possession throughout the contest, dominating the draw circle 23-8 while outshooting Howard 28-10 and holding a 23-6 advantage in shots on goal.
Columbia hits the road for its next contest, traveling to New Haven to open Ivy League play against #12/6 Yale on Saturday, March 7. Opening draw is set for 1 p.m.
For the latest on Columbia lacrosse, follow @CULionsLax on Twitter and Instagram, and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
