Box Score NEW YORK, N.Y.- The Lafayette women's lacrosse team was defeated by Columbia in the 2024 season opener, 8-7, at Kraft Field on Saturday afternoon.

Abby Romano opened the contest early with the Leopards' first goal of the season at 14:41.

Columbia retaliated using a trio of goals in the final three minutes (3:08, 2:14 and 1:22), to take their first lead, 3-1, at the end of the opening quarter.

Romano, a senior midfielder, scored her second of the day at 10:11 in the second period with a shot directly in front of the opposing cage. The Lions' Kate Cunning netted a free-position shot at 9:13, allowing Columbia a 4-2 lead at the halftime break.

The hosts pushed ahead as Michelle Zhai tallied two goals to kick off the third quarter.

Lafayette countered the Lions' advance, trailing 6-4, with a pair of man-up goals by Emma Elmen and Haleigh Albrecht at 4:23 and 1:52, respectively. Albrecht's shot came from a free-position attempt.

Columbia once again recorded a pair of goals to open the final period, which were both assisted by Zhai. Lafayette fought back with three goals of its own, two by Clare Culligan and one by Sophia Spallone, to get within one point at 6:16.

Neither team was able to find the cage in the remaining minutes as the Ivy League foe earned an 8-7 victory.

Columbia held the advantage in ground balls (23-14), shots (38-16) and clears (18-19 to 18-24).

Lafayette's senior goalkeeper Lexie Coldiron made a career-high 18 saves while her Lion counterpart, Ava Kimche, made six.

Next up, the Leopards continue on the road at Wagner on Feb. 21 for a 6 p.m. opening draw.


For the latest on the Lafayette College women's lacrosse program, follow the Leopards on Instagram @lafayette_wlax and Twitter @LafayetteWLAX.