Women’s soccer evens record at 2-2 after win over Iona

The Columbia women’s soccer team evened its record on Tuesday night with a 3-1 win over Iona. The Lions (2-2-0) have now won two consecutive games after opening the season with losses to Washington and Portland. On Friday night, Columbia beat Manhattan by a score of 4-0.

The Lions’ success this season has largely depended on their offense. Columbia has found the back of the net seven times since being shut out by Washington and scoring only once against Portland. Senior forward Sophie Reiser struck in the 25th minute to give the Lions their first goal on Tuesday night. After a shot by junior defender Kelly Hostetler bounced off the crossbar, Reiser got the rebound and found the back of the net.

Reiser leads Columbia with four goals this year, three of which came against Manhattan. She has found the back of the net a total of 23 times for the Lions. Reiser’s most recent tally moves her into a tie for third place all-time in career goals at Columbia. Kristin Friedholm ’89 scored 23 goals in her playing days, while Tosh Forde ’98 holds the record with 30 goals.

The Lions maintained their 1-0 lead over the Gaels (1-6-1) until the 47th minute, when senior forward Stephanie Sommers found the back of the net. Senior forward Mariel Pepe was credited with the assist.

Sophomore forward Ashlin Yahr gave Columbia the lead for good with a header in the 60th minute, her first goal of the season. Hostetler notched her second assist of the night with a free kick that set up Yahr’s tally. Just four minutes later, Yahr found the back of the net for a second time. She was assisted by senior defender Meggie Ford and sophomore forward Marissa Schultz.

The Lions continue nonconference play on Sept. 18 against Hofstra. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Hempstead, N.Y.