NEW YORK, N.Y. -- After winning its last two games, the Fairfield University field hockey team dropped a 3-1 decision to Columbia University in a non-conference match up. The Lions never trailed in the game, taking the lead for good after the Stags were able to tie the game in the second quarter.

Fairfield controlled play through the first quarter and kept pressure on the ball which kept Columbia off balance for most of the period. The Lions had only one opportunity in the first quarter and cashed in the chance. Fairfield was whistled for an infraction inside the circle which set up a penalty stroke for the home team. Agustina Solari Etcheberry stepped to the spot and put her shot past the goalkeeper to provide a one-goal lead. The stroke represented Columbia's lone shot of the quarter while Fairfield managed a pair of shots.

The Stags were able to find the equalizer in the second quarter, a scoring chance that was set up by a penalty corner. Alice Pifferi inserted the ball directly to Pilar Mengotti, who one-timed a shot that caught the corner of the cage to knot the score at 1-1. Not long after Mengotti's goal, Columbia used a counter to set up its second goal of the day less than two minutes remaining in the half. Ashley Kim was able to take the ball and maneuver around a couple defenders to find a clearing inside the circle. She released a shot that resulted in a goal, pushing the Lions back in front by a 2-1 margin. 

Again, Kim's goal came off the team's lone shot in the period, the same scenario as the first quarter. Fairfield gained more flow in the quarter which resulted in better movement inside the circle. With that play, the Stags put together five shots with one crossing the goal line and three others requiring action from the goalkeeper. The Lions went into the intermission with a 2-1 advantage.

The third quarter saw more even play with neither team really being able to establish any real footing inside the circle. Both teams registered one shot each with Columbia's attempt requiring a save. Once the fourth quarter began, Fairfield regained dominance by taking seven shots and earning five penalty corners. But each chance was turned away by goalkeeper Margo Houle, who came away with five stops over the final 15 minutes. The goalkeeper ended the day with eight saves to send Columbia to its third win in as many outings. Fairfield goalkeeper Payton Rahn made one save while facing four shots. 

The Fairfield University field hockey team will return to the pitch this weekend with another match up against an Ivy League foe. The Stags will travel to Brown University on Sunday afternoon for a 12 pm start.