NEW YORK - The Columbia field hockey team hosts Villanova and Fairfield this weekend at the Baker Athletics Complex after splitting its two contests last week.

GAMEDAY INFORMATION

COLUMBIA VS. VILLANOVA (2-3)
SATURDAY, SEP. 13 - 1 P.M.
LIVE STATS

COLUMBIA VS. FAIRFIELD (2-3)
SUNDAY, SEP. 14 - 1 P.M.
LIVE STATS

COLUMBIA'S STATUS
The Lions started the year strong with a 3-1 win over LaSalle on Sep. 5, receiving multi-point efforts from Katie Ruesterholz and Leah Matthews.

Two days later, Columbia took on defending national champions and No. 3-ranked Connecticut where they fell, 4-0, despite a solid effort from goalkeeper Kimberly Pianucci. The junior stopped eight shots on the afternoon and was named to the Ivy League Weekly Honor Roll.

SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
Villanova has alternated wins and losses in its five contests this year and most recently suffered a 2-1 defeat to LaSalle on Sep. 10. The Wildcats raced out to an early lead, but the Explorers evened things up before the half and went ahead for good in the 48th minute.

SCOUTING THE STAGS
Fairfield also holds a 2-3 record heading into this weekend's action after a 2-1 loss at Hofstra on Sep. 10. After the Pride took the lead in the 11th minute, the Stags tied things up midway through the second frame. However, Hofstra netted the game-winner with seven minutes left to come away with the win.

Fairfield has a meeting at Penn on Friday afternoon before treking east for Sunday's showdown.

RUESTERHOLZ & MATTHEWS SHINE IN SEASON DEBUT
The duo of Katie Ruesterholz and Leah Matthews sparked the Lions' attack against LaSalle on Sep. 5, with each scoring a goal and assist in the contest. Ruesterholz assisted on Matthews goal in the first half and Matthews returned the favor in the second to set up the game-winner in the second frame.

LIONS IN SEASON OPENERS
Columbia improved to 10-9 in season openers after winning its 2014 debut, 3-1, against LaSalle.  In home debuts, the Lions are now 13-6, and have come away victorious in five-straight in their first contest at the Baker Athletics Complex.

OH CAPTAINS, MY CAPTAINS
Seniors Zoe Blake and Lauren Skudalski along with junior Christina Freibott will serve as tri-captains this season for Columbia. Skudalski is in her second year on the team's leadership council.

LOOK WHO'S BACK
Columbia returns a total of 17 players from last year's squad, which comprised 86 percent of its scoring in 2013. Additionally, both primary goaltenders senior Marlee Silverstein and Kimberly Pianucci along with sophomore Kendall Kuntz are back vying for time in net for the Lions.

FIRST-YEAR FIVE PACK
Five members of the Class of 2018 have been added to the roster for 2014. The quintet includes backs Maeve Doherty and Rebecca Pope, and midfielders Michelle Thompson, Lauren Crane and Whitney Hartstone.

PACING THE SIDELINES
Marybeth Freeman returns for her fifth season at the helm of the Lions' field hockey program. Caroline Nichols is back in charge of the Columbia defense for her third season after wrapping up a stellar playing career with the U.S. National Team this summer. Megan Shea will work with the squad's forwards and joins Freeman's staff after spending the last three years with her alma mater, New Hampshire.

IVY LEAGUE DIGITAL NETWORK
Now in its second year, the Ivy League Digital Network will now feature post game reaction after home games and highlights of the weekend's action for all 17 games. For more information visit www.ivyleaguedigitalnetwork.com/columbia.