Win Streak Cut, Lions Set for Rebound

The Columbia field hockey team will try to rebound after its second Ivy League loss of the season when the Lions face off against Lafayette tonight.

The Light Blue (3-4, 0-2 Ivy) had its season-best, three-game winning streak snapped over the weekend as Princeton ended it with a 3-0 victory at home. The Tigers managed to slow down a Columbia offense that had scored eight goals in its previous three games by allowing only two shots on goal in the contest. Columbia goalkeeper Gena Miller had a busy day in net, stopping seven shots but allowing three goals. It was the first time Miller had allowed more than two goals in a contest all season.

Luckily for the Lions, they’ll be facing a Lafayette team that has seen its share of struggles in 2007. The Leopards are 2-6 on the season, with the latest loss coming at the hands of Temple on Saturday, 2-0. Lafayette boasts a strong defense, anchored by goalkeeper Courtney Dixon and defenders Jaclyn DiSanti and Bridget Hilbig. Offensively, however, the Leopards have been subpar, with only nine goals in eight games. Midfielder Maggie Condon leads the team in goals with three, while forwards Laura Fabian and Anna DePetris have chipped in two a piece.

Working against Columbia will be the team’s winless record on the road this season. The Lions have dropped all four of their road contests, including both Ivy matches with Cornell and Princeton. In those four road games, the Light Blue has scored only two goals and has been shut out in its last two away matches. Tonight’s game should provide Columbia a chance to work on its away offense in an attempt to replicate the team’s home success.

Play begins at 7 p.m. in Easton, Pa.