New York, N.Y. – The Fairfield University field hockey team fell to Columbia, 2-1, in overtime this afternoon at the Columbia Field Hockey Venue. Senior Felicitas Heinen scored the lone goal for the Stags while rookie goalkeeper Emma Ball made seven saves.

Fairfield started off strong, with Ann Burgoyne taking a one-on-one shot on goal just eight minutes into the first half. The Stags' offensive effort continued, with a shot from Julie de Paeuw, which was blocked by the Lions' defense. Play continued but neither team was able to score, leaving the game scoreless heading into halftime.

Columbia came out firing in the second half, with the Lions' Katie Ruesterholz taking two shots on goal which were stopped by Ball. In the 48th minute, Burgoyne took a shot, on her second breakaway of the game, which was stopped by a diving save. At 49:46, Columbia's Christina Freibott scored from the top of the semicircle, off a penalty corner, to give the Lions a 1-0 advantage. Fairfield answered at 52:57 when a goal by Heinen put the Stags on the board. The goal was scored on a penalty stroke and tied the game at 1-1.

Both teams continued to battle but neither was able to score again in regulation. About a minute and a half into overtime, Columbia's Ruesterholz scored, off a penalty corner, to seal a 2-1 victory for the Lions.

Ball faced nine shots on the day, stopping seven, while Columbia's Kimberly Pianucci made eight saves. The Stags were slightly out-shot 15-12 and the Lions had a 16-5 advantage in penalty corners.

Fairfield (2-5) is back in action on September 19 when the Stags host Sacred Heart on University Field at 3pm.