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NEW YORK – Junior goalkeeper Kimberly Pianucci did her best Henrik Lundqvist impersonation, making eight crucial saves, and Katie Ruesterholz netted the game-winner a minute into overtime to guide the Columbia field hockey team to a 2-1 win over Fairfield on Sunday.

These teams are no stranger to close contests after the Stags (2-5) held off a furious late rally in the second half of last year's meeting. On Sunday, it was another exciting battle, which saw a total of 18 shots on goal, 16 Lions' (3-1) penalty corners and physical (but clean) play.

Columbia was solid with the ball for the second consecutive day, using crisp passing to control time of possession early on. However eight minutes in, a long breakout pass left the Fairfield's Ann Burgoyne one-on-one with Pianucci, who came way out to cut off the angle and block the shot.

Several moments later, the netminder from Glen Gardner, New Jersey, had to sprawl out to deny Julie de Paeuw to keep the game scoreless.

The Lions' best scoring opportunity of the first half came in the 32^nd minute when Ruesterholz had two swipes from point-blank range that were turned away by Emma Ball, who made seven stops for Fairfield.

The Stags continued to try to generate offense by using the “home-run” pass in the second half and in the 48^th minute, Burgoyne had her second breakaway chance of the game. Once again, Pianucci was aggressive and made another diving save.

Columbia finally ended the stalemate in the 50^th minute off a set piece. Lauren Skudalski sent the corner to Christina Freibott, who weaved around the top of the semicircle and found the back of the net.

Right after the Lion goal, Fairfield created several scoring chances that eventually knotted things up at 1-1. A long clearing pass deflected off the stick of a Columbia defender and wound up on Camerann Smith's cane, who was all alone. Pianucci stood tall yet again, but the Stags kept coming and a foul in the scoring area led to a penalty corner.

With a mass of players in front of the net, Pianucci sprawled out to keep the ball from crossing the goal line, but covered the ball and a penalty stroke was awarded. Felicitas Heinen ripped a high shot into the right corner to tie things up.

The Lions took the opening draw right down the field and drew a penalty corner of their own. Skudalski was the trigger-woman again and fed Freibott, who settled the ball to Zoe Blake. Blake ripped a hard shot that Ruesterholz deflected in to give Columbia the walk-off victory.

The Lions begin the Ivy League slate with a road contest at Brown on Saturday, Sep. 20. Game time is slated for 12 p.m.