NEW YORK – The Columbia women's lacrosse team used a strong second-half performance to overcome a four-point deficit, but fell just short against Villanova in a thrilling 11-10 overtime decision at Robert K. Kraft Field at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium on Tuesday evening.
 
After trailing 6-2 at the half, the Lions (3-6) used an impressive 6-1 run to open the second half, taking an 8-7 lead with 15:13 remaining in the game by holding the Wildcats scoreless for more than a 10-minute span. Columbia used goals from five different players throughout the run, including a pair from first-year Rachel Graff who notched her first career hat trick in the outing. It was senior midfielder Orna Madigan who put the Lions ahead, burying a goal off a Lindsey Ewertsen dime.
 
Villanova (6-4) responded with three-straight goals to end Columbia's run, but Ewertsen would bring Columbia back within one on a free-position goal with 2:32 on the clock. Once again, Madigan came up big, recording the game-tying goal on an 8-meter with 1:44 remaining to ultimately force overtime.
 
Two offensive opportunities fell short for the Lions in the extra period, only getting off one shot while Villanova had three. Ewertsen attempted a long shot as the first three-minute half expired, but it would go wide. The Wildcats ultimately capitalized on a free-position goal after drawing back-to-back fouls, earning the victory 4:01 into overtime.
 
Junior goalkeeper Abby Roberts recorded 12 huge saves in the game, matching her season high. Playing all 60 minutes in goal, Roberts faced 30 shots and 23 shots on goal, charting a .522 save percentage.
 
Graff led the Lions with a game-high three goals in the contest, while first-year midfielder Katie Lutz and Madigan each recorded two. Sophomore attacker Chelsea Witteck, senior midfielder Laine Parsons and Ewertsen tallied one goal apiece.
 
With a team-high six draw controls, Ewertsen became the first Columbia player to surpass 200 career draw controls with 203. The senior also led the Lions with a game-high four caused turnovers.
 
Columbia resumes Ivy League play on Friday, March 22, hosting Dartmouth at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
 
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