Last Non-Ivy Game for Lacrosse

The final nonconference game of the season has descended upon the Columbia lacrosse team, and unlike past seasons, this year's non-Ivy schedule has been a grueling one. Having faced top-20 teams from across the nation, the Light Blue arrives at the end of its nonconference trail in Bethlehem, Penn. this evening as the Lions face the Lehigh Mountain Hawks (6-7).

The out-of-conference schedule this season is arguably the most challenging in the program's history, and the ease of the team's schedule in the past has been reflected in the final nonconference record. Columbia felt a discrepancy between the level of play that marked the early part of many former seasons and that which the Ivy League offered, so the team sought change. Last season went by without an Ivy win, but the team went 8-1 against nonconference teams to finish with a respectably even 8-8 record.

For senior midfielder Kate Lombard, there is no question that this has been the team's most difficult nonconference schedule in her time at Columbia.

"Our nonconference schedule has definitely been a lot harder this year. In the past, we've played teams where we could kill them by, say, 15 or something," Lombard said. "It's good to have a few of those games to gain confidence or whatever, but we came to a point where it's like those weren't challenging us."

Columbia lacrosse has gone 4-3 in its nonconference schedule this year and did not garner a win against a ranked opponent. The record has suffered, but the team has benefited from the increase in its strength of schedule.

"It prepares us so we're not shocked when we see these strong Ivy teams," Lombard said. "We're used to being in tighter games against quality teams, and so we're more prepared for it, versus playing against not-so-great teams and blowing them out of the water."

Lehigh was one of eight wins for Columbia last year, though the team is not taking its matchup with the Mountain Hawks tonight lightly. Lehigh has a winning record at home, and the team will bring its breakout freshman attacker Inneke Carmola-who averages nearly three goals per game-to the field.

"I don't know what it is, but they [the Lehigh players] always come out fired up against us," Lombard added. "We have to not take them lightly by any means and come out strong."

The Lions will try to end their nonconference schedule, and their two-game skid, with a win against Lehigh tonight at 7 p.m.