NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Two first-half goals propelled the Columbia University field hockey to a 2-0 win in its home opener against the Stags. The Lions outshot Fairfield by a 15-3 count which included a 10-0 margin in the opening 35 minutes.

Columbia broke through nine minutes into the game when Julie Hatchett deflected a long pass from Megan Davidson for a 1-0 lead. While the Lions kept the pressure on for most of the half, the Stags defense held its own against the Ivy League opponent. Goalkeeper Liz Thomas made six saves in the opening half, while her defenders tallied an additional two defensive saves.

The Lions tallied their second goal off a penalty corner as time expired in the half. Liz Reeve started the play from the corner while Christine Buszczak finished the corner with a shot that found the back of the cage.

Columbia improved to 1-3 overall, while the Stags fell to 1-5 overall.