In goal, the Lions feature sophomore Rachel Barney. Barney, who saw limited playing time last year, has won the starting job this year and is performing solidly in the net.

Against Cornell, Barney recorded an amazing 25 saves. In the 3-1 loss to St. John's, she notched seven.

"[Columbia's] new goalie may cause a problem for us this year," Weinstein said. "In the past, we scored on easy shots. That may not be the case this year."

The Lions' defense is led by senior Joan Campion and junior Julie Davidson.

"We have a lot of depth in our backfield. Joan and Julie will be starting, but there was a lot of competition for those spots," Ladda said.

The Columbia defense will have to deal with the overwhelming power of the Crimson offense, which includes Laurie Uustal, Jen Minkus and Johnston, a proven Lion-killer.

These three lead a Crimson attack that has already produced more goals (six) than the Lions are on pace to score all season.

Senior Mindy Gesmonde anchors the Columbia midfield, along with offensive middie Missy McGoogan. McGoogan scored Columbia's only goal of the season, unassisted against St. John's.

"We play a possession game," Ladda said. "Our offense is not an explosive one."

Explosive or not, the Lions' offense should be stonewalled by the Crimson defense. Senior back Erin Matias has dominated opposing forwards, while undefeated sophomore goalie Brooke Donahoe has recorded several superb saves.

The Crimson is looking forward to this matchup even more than the Lions are.

"I think we're ready to play," said Johnston. "We're confident."