The Quinnipiac Bobcats field hockey team continued its early- season struggles, as they fell to Columbia 3-2 last Sunday afternoon in Hamden.

After taking a 2-0 lead in the first half, Quinnipiac allowed three unanswered goals, with the difference-maker coming from junior midfielder Lauren Byrne on a rebound to put Columbia up 3-2 with 12:16 to go. The goal sank the Bobcats’ record to 0-3.

“It’s very disheartening, disappointing and your feelings are very downtrodden,” Bobcats head coach Becca Kohli said.

The Bobcats struck first when senior captain Lauren Hartnett scored her first goal of the season just over 11 minutes into the game. Mackenzie Liptak followed with her first goal of the season two minutes later, putting the Bobcats up 2-0.
Leading 2-1 with just over three minutes remaining in the first half, Quinnipiac, who was working with a short bench due to sickness and injuries, appeared to show signs of fatigue at the close of the half.

Columbia was able to take advantage of the tired Bobcats, scoring a momentum-changing goal to tie the game at 2 shortly before the first half ended.

“I think this game was even, and when you look at the energy level and fresh legs, it’s why they won the game,” Kohli said.

The Bobcats did not go down without a fight. Goalie Jenna Grossman recorded six saves and the defense did everything they could to prevent another goal from scoring.

“I think our defense is strong, and smart,” Kohli said. “I have seen people step up and I’m pretty pleased with that. It’s good to see adjustments being made.”

However, it was the offense that struggled, as they were unable to put pressure on Columbia’s defense – the way Columbia did to them. Quinnipiac only posted nine shots, opposed to Columbia’s 16 on the day.

“It’s very frustrating,” Kohli said. “Obviously it’s going to be a focus for us, but there are a lot of areas.”

Quinnipiac will look to find their first win of the season today when they travel to Hempstead, N.Y., to face Hofstra at 4 p.m.