The view from the press box!

Finally putting her years of lacrosse knowledge to good use, Bwogger Victoria Arancio took the long trek to Baker to watch the Columbia Women’s Lacrosse game against Harvard. The game was close but exciting, eventually granting Columbia the win that they desperately needed. 

0-2 in the Ivy League, I was cautiously hopeful going into the game this past Sunday’s game against Harvard. While Harvard was 0-1, their wins so far this seasons have been blow outs. With Columbia narrowly winning their games by one or even two points, it seemed clear that Columbia needed to start the game strong and prove themselves in order to secure a win against the promising Harvard defense.

The game started quickly in Columbia’s favor, with Fallon Quinn scoring within the first minute of the game. It was clear from the beginning that this game would be offensively-led and high scoring, yet Columbia’s defense was able to shine, holding their own despite drawing several shooting space calls. The biggest difference between the two teams was confidence and composure: Columbia was patient, using the possession clock to set up plays, whereas Harvard struggled to find the open player within the 8 meter. Most importantly, Columbia looked excited to play, and although it wasn’t reflected in the 9-7 score at the half, they were ready to take on the Crimson for the remainder of the game.

Columbia dominated the first twenty minutes of the second half. Lindsey Ewertsen’s third goal of the game set things in motion for the Lions, able to secure a 14-8 lead with a quick goal and assist by Chelsea Witteck and Victoria Kalamaras, creating a comfortable lead 10 minutes left in the game. All that the Lions needed to do was hold off the Crimson for 10 more minutes, but I knew that no one should feel comfortable with this lead. With a high scoring game like women’s lacrosse, anything can happen: and I was right.

The final ten minutes of the game was a test for the Columbia defense. While Columbia was winning most of the draw controls in the second half, little mistakes in their transition and offense led to sloppy turnovers, giving Harvard the opportunity to take advantage of ground balls. Columbia’s defense was strong, but it was the tight cuts and point-blank shots against Columbia’s Kelsey Gedin around the crease that made the game uncomfortably close. The lead that Columbia secured was now gone, and with only a few minutes left to go, I was unsure if the Lions were able to leave with a win.

It was cold, windy, and it even rained: but the Lions appeared unfazed by the miserable weather conditions. Goalkeeper Kelsey Gedin shined, consistently making tough saves throughout the game. Both Quinn and Ewertsen scored three goals, and Devon Stuzin and Alexandria Absey scored two goals. Be sure not to bet against Victoria Kalamaras: with one goal and six assists, it’s no surprise that she broke Columbia’s all-time assists record. I have no doubt that Columbia’s chemistry and ability to see the field brought them to their tight victory against Harvard. Now 1-2 Ivy and 4-6 overall, I’m excited to follow the Lions through the rest of their season- hopefully with more kicklines and limbo acts on the sidelines.

Image via Claudia Chung