Columbia Rallies to Top Penn, 6-5, in Overtime

Friday, October 18

New York, N.Y.

6:00 P.M.

Columbia

(6-6, 2-2)

Penn

(5-7, 2-2)

Penn

Columbia

Photo by: Columbia University Athletics/Mike McLaughlin

10/18/2019 9:42:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score Box Score (.pdf)Highlights

Ellie Decker's goal in the 61st minute capped a wild contest that saw four lead changes.

NEW YORK – Making her collegiate debut, first-year Ellie Decker posted a goal and assist, including scoring the game-winner in the 61^st minute to give the Columbia field hockey team a 6-5 overtime win over Penn Friday night. The Lions (6-6, 2-2) and Quakers (6-6, 2-2) exchanged the lead four times in a wild contest.

Columbia erased a two-goal deficit to take a 5-4 lead in the fourth quarter only to see the Quakers' Elita Van Staden provide the equalizing goal with 40 seconds left in regulation. Quickly in the extra session, sophomore Allison Smith shifted gears on a restart to get by a defender, drove down the right side and centered the ball for Decker, who fired a close-range shot under the blocker of the Penn goalkeeper on the short side.

Smith finished with two goals, bringing her season total to seven, to go with the assist. Jaimie McCormick potted the other two Lions goals. Brooke Gasser dished out a pair of assists and Alexa Conomikes made eight saves in the defeat.

In the final 15 minutes, Columbia scored three unanswered to take the lead. Emily Maclean snuck a pass to a streaking Smith down the middle, who beat her defender and put an attempt under a diving goalie to make it a one-goal game in the 47^th minute. McCormick and Smith struck within a span of 1:54 to put the Lions in front, 5-4.

With Columbia looking to run off some clock, the Lions were called for stalling and the Quakers were awarded possession with just over a minute to go. Penn took advantage and drew a pair of corners, knotting things up on its second try. Van Staden blasted a shot that found the back of the net on the traditional set-up for her second of the night in the closing moments.

The Quakers started the game firing on all cylinders, taking an early 6-0 advantage on shots and going in front on Meghan Ward's third goal of the year in the 15^th minute. Columbia's first shot did not come until the 28^th minute, but it led to its first goal. Isabella Collins initial shot was stopped by Ava Rosati, but the rebound went right to McCormick, who buried the chance to even things at 1-1.

Less than two minutes later, Kelsey Farkas tipped a long shot by Gasser's from the doorstep to give the Lions the lead, 2-1, heading into the half.

Penn generated both of its third quarter goals off of corners before Columbia's fourth-quarter comeback.

Farkas and Smith are now tied for the team lead with seven goals.

The Lions are back in action at No. 23 Monmouth Sunday, October 20. Game time is set for 12 p.m., moved up one hour from the original 1 p.m. start time.

For the latest on Columbia field hockey, follow @columbiafhockey on Twitter, @columbiafh on Instagram, and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.