NEW YORK — Ivy League play commences for Columbia field hockey (6-0) as it looks to stay undefeated when No. 14 Harvard pays a visit to the Baker Athletics Complex Friday night. The Crimson, who check in at 5-1 on the year, and Lions are set to square off at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
Fans attending games at the Baker Athletics Complex must adhere to Columbia Athletics and the University's venue protocols, which include providing proof of vaccination for patrons ages 12 and older and mask-wearing for all spectators.
Please find Columbia's complete venue policies here.
All policies and protocols are subject to change at any time.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW...
COLUMBIA'S STATUS
Columbia comes into the weekend one of just four undefeated teams (Iowa, Michigan, Penn State) in the country at 6-0. The Lions are off to their best start in program history and have matched a school record for longest winning streak, previously set in 2012 and 2014. Statistically, Columbia ranks among the nation's top-10 in five team categories.
HARVARD'S STATUS
The Crimson are coming off their first defeat of the season to No. 16 UConn. After 80 minutes of scoreless action, the Huskies earned a shootout win. Harvard has not allowed a goal in its last five contests, all started by goalie Ellie Schabo, and has only surrendered one goal on the year. Hannah Pearce leads a balanced offensive attack with three goals. Avery Donahue (two goals, two assists) is tied for the team scoring lead.
INSIDE THE SERIES
Columbia is 6-17 against Harvard all-time and has dropped seven-straight in the series. In 2019, the Crimson took a 2-0 lead into the fourth quarter and held off the Lions despite a Kelsey Farkas goal in the 58th minute to escape with a road win.
NEWS/NOTES
ALEXA, WHO'S THE DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK?
Senior goalkeeper Alexa Conomikes has been as consistent as they come, allowing one or fewer goal in five of six contests this season. After posting her first shutout of the season against Colgate, she was named Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week on September 20 for the third time in her career. Conomikes ranks No. 7 in the NCAA in GAA (1.00) and 13th in save percentage (.802) - both are good for second in the Ivy League behind Harvard's Ellie Schabo.
FRONT RUNNERS
Columbia has scored first in all six games this season and has not trailed for a second in 2021. The Lions have a won on average of 2.67 goals per game, which ranks fifth in the NCAA.
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