ITHACA, N.Y. -- Sophomore Ashlin Yahr notched her fifth goal of the season in the 15th minute and the Columbia University women's soccer team used a strong defensive effort to register a 1-0 win in its Ivy League opener at Cornell on Friday evening. The Lions (4-3-1, 1-0 Ivy) controlled the pace of play for much of the contest and finished with a 14-8 shot advantage.

Columbia recorded a pair of shots that went high in the first ten minutes, courtesy of senior co-captain Sophie Reiser. At the 14:34 mark, the Lions took the lead as sophomore Marissa Schultz fed Yahr in the box. The sophomore forward, who leads the team in goals and points (11), headed the ball past Big Red goalkeeper Kelly Murphy to put Columbia up 1-0.

From there, the Lions relied on a stout backline led by senior co-captain Meggie Ford, junior Lauren Cooke and sophomore Lillian Klein. The two centerbacks helped control the Big Red attack, limiting them to two shots on goal through the final 45 minutes of play. Klein made three stops in net as Columbia recorded its second shutout of the season.

Reiser finished the match with five shots, while Yahr, junior Chrissy Butler and classmate Kelly Hostetler each closed with two. Cornell had a pair of players with two shots apiece, while Murphy closed with four saves in net.

The Lions will continue their two-game road trip on Sunday, Sept. 27 as they take on Colgate at 1 p.m.