It was a winter wonderland in October this weekend as the Lions took on Ivy League rivals at home and across the northeast. In sports, harsh weather conditions can become an important factor in a game, match, or race—testing an athlete’s resolve. As the weather turns colder late in the fall sports season, we can only hope that the Lions are doing this kind of trainingto prepare to face the elements in the coming weeks.

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Volleyball (13-7):

Latest Result: The Lions had mixed results this weekend, falling to Yale 3-1 on Friday before dominating Brown on Saturday 3-0

Highlights: After a disappointing four set loss against Yale on Friday, the Lions bounced back to take down Brown in straight sets on Saturday 25-15, 25-17, 25-23. After a comfortable first set, the Lions fell behind in the second 12-15 before rallying to score six straight points. From there, the Lions coasted through the remainder of the set, allowing only two more points from the Bulldogs. The third set was a back and forth battle from the start, but the Lions ran away with it in the end 25-23. Junior Megan Gaughn led the Lions with 11 kills, 13 digs, and 2 aces. The split decisions over the weekend move the Lions to third in the Ivy League with a 7-3 conference record.

Upcoming Contest: The Lions look to continue Ivy League success at home next weekend, first facing Harvard on Friday at 7pm in Levien Gymnasium and then Dartmouth at 5pm.

Cross Country:

Latest Result: Both the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams took second at the 2011 Ivy League Heptagonal Championships over the weekend

Hightlights: The Lions battled through heavy snow, high winds, and blistering cold at Princeton on Saturday, but their efforts paid off as both teams placed second overall, with the women placing three runners in the top 10 and the men placing four in the top 15. Senior Kyle Merber and freshman Waverly Neer both took second place in their respective races, both earning first team All-Ivy honors on the day.

Men’s Soccer (6-7-1):

Latest Result: Lions take down Yale 1-0

Highlights: The Lions took on Yale today at home after the game was postponed yesterday due to weather. From the opening whistle, the Lions dominated play and didn’t let up until the end of regulation. Junior Will Stamatis tallied his sixth goal of the season in the first half off of a cross from junior midfielder Nick Scott. Stamatis took a quick touch in the box before beating the keeper with a well placed strike. Despite a number of efforts from the Bulldogs, the Lions remained on top until the final whistle, advancing them to 3-2 in the Ivy League.

Upcoming Contest: The Lions take a break from Ivy League action this week, facing Adelphi on Tuesday and then returning home on Saturday to take on Harvard at 4pm

Field Hockey (8-8):

Latest Result: After an impressive four game winning streak, the Lions dropped both contests this weekend, first to Yale on Friday 3-1 and then against Villinova today 1-0

Highlights: Tensions were high as the Lions took on the Bulldogs at home as both teams were tied for first place in the Ivy League heading into Friday’s game. Despite a strong effort in the second half, the Lions were unable to overcome a slow start. In the first half, Yale outshot Columbia 12-0 and went into the break up two goals. Senior back Desi Scherf scored the Lions’ only goal of the game off an assist from senior midfielder Leti Freaney at the 44:19 mark, but the Lions were unable to rally. The Bulldogs responded just five minutes later with a goal to put them up 3-1. The Lions fell to 4-2 in the Ivy League, moving them into a tie for third place with Dartmouth.

Upcoming Contest: The Lions play their final match of the season in a must-win game against Harvard at home at 6:30pm on Friday.

Football (0-7):

Latest Result: Despite fourth-quarter comeback, the Lions fall short against Yale 16-13

Highlights: Through snow, sleet, and blistering winds, the Lions battled Ivy League rival Yale at Robert K. Kraft Field on Saturday. Over the first 48 minutes of play, the Bulldogs mounted a 16-0 lead over the Lions. In the fourth quarter, however, the Lions rallied to attempt a late-game comeback. With just over ten minutes left in the game, quarterback Sean Brackett converted a play-action fake on third and one and found Zack McKown, who ran it in for a touchdown to put the Lions on the board. With just minutes remaining in the game, the Lions went for a two point conversion, but it was no good. Refusing to let up, Mike Murphy pounced on a fumble to give the Lions possession and three plays later, Brackett found Stephens for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to three. The Lions, however, were unable to overcome the deficit, falling to the Bulldogs 16-13 in their 7th straight loss.

Upcoming Contest: The Lions face Harvard at home next Saturday at 12:30pm