Lacrosse Defeats Harvard in Overtime Thriller

Saturday, April 25

New York, N.Y.

1:00 p.m.

Columbia

7-8, 1-6

Harvard

6-9, 1-6

Team	1	2	3	4	OT	Final F
Harvard	3	3	1	3	0	10
Columbia	4	2	3	1	1	11

Photo by: Columbia University Athletics / Stockton Photo, Inc.

4/25/2026 6:30:00 PM | Lacrosse

Box Score

Becker nets golden goal as Lions earn first Ivy win since 2019

NEW YORK – The Columbia lacrosse team earned its first Ivy League win since 2019 in dramatic fashion, defeating Harvard, 11-10, in overtime Saturday afternoon at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium.

"We knew we were going to accomplish this win this year," Head Coach Anne Murray said. "The team has been so driven and focused on our goal and it means everything that we were able to realize it. This is a huge victory for these players and one that hits the hearts of all our alums, family and friends."

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With the result, the Lions finish the season with a 7-8 record, closing the season on a high note. Columbia concludes Ivy League play at 1-6, while Harvard finishes its season at 6-9 overall and 1-6 in conference play.

This was just the second game in program history to go to overtime, the first since 2019 against Villanova. It was the Lions' first win in extra time.

Columbia and Harvard battled back-and-forth throughout the opening quarter, with the Lions edging ahead, 4-3, at the end of the frame. The Crimson responded in the second, outscoring Columbia 3-2 to even the score at 6-6 heading into halftime.

The Lions regained control in the third quarter, using a strong defensive effort and timely scoring to outpace Harvard, 3-1, and take a 9-7 lead into the final period.

Harvard answered in the fourth, outscoring Columbia 3-1 to tie the game at 10-10 and force overtime.

In the extra frame, Anna Becker delivered the decisive moment, scoring the golden goal off a pass from Lilah Kirch to secure the 11-10 victory for the Lions.

"This has been a hard path to hold through the ups and the downs and yet as a coaching staff we gave ourselves no option to keep pushing forward," Murray said. "The resiliency shown these past few years is a hallmark of Columbia lacrosse. Never count us out, we will never give up, and we will hold the belief for as long as we have to.

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Becker led Columbia offensively with four goals, including the overtime winner, while Cordelia Flemming added three goals. Emma Row contributed two goals, with Maddie Brogan and Cecelia Messner each adding one in the balanced effort.

Columbia held advantages in total shots (32-22), shots on goal (14-10), and ground balls (22-16), controlling possession in key stretches despite Harvard holding a slight edge in draw controls, 12-11.

Saturday's contest also marked the final game for Columbia's five seniors: Riya Batra, Serena Hong, Ali Surace, Cordelia Flemming, and Cecelia Messner. As a group, they combined for 169 goals, 77 assists, 225 ground balls, 109 caused turnovers, and 174 draw controls over their careers.

Messner concludes her career among Columbia's all-time greats, ranking sixth with 110 career goals and tied for fifth with 62 assists. Her 172 career points also rank fifth in program history. In 2026 alone, Messner scored 63 points which is the third most in a single season in Columbia history, while her 33 assists were the second most in a single season in Columbia history.

Flemming finished her career with 128 career draw controls which ranks fifth all-time.

Michelle Zhai concluded 2026 with 27 assists, the sixth most in program history. She will enter 2027 with 68 career assists, ranking fourth in program history, and nine points away from cracking the top-10 list.

Becker's 43 goals in 2026 is tied for the sixth most in a single season in program history, and her 54 points is eighth all-time. She is less then 10 points and 10 goals away from cracking both all-time top-10 lists.

Saturday's contest marked the conclusion of the 2026 season for the Lions.

"Very few times do you get to have a moment like this," Murray said. "Ending the season on a program defining win that truly echoes across the country. We are always going to remember this game and we are so hungry for more."

For the latest on Columbia lacrosse, follow @CULionsLax on Twitter and Instagram, and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.