Lions Knock Off No. 22 Boston University, 4-3, in OT

Saturday, September 14

Orono, Maine

2:00 P.M.

Columbia University

(2-1)

Boston University

(3-3)

Columbia

Boston University

Photo by: Columbia University Athletics/Maryam K. Hassan

Lions Knock Off No. 22 Boston University, 4-3, in OT

9/14/2019 4:17:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score Box Score (.pdf)Highlights

Allison Smith's golden goal in the 70th minute gave Columbia its first-ever win over a ranked opponent.

ORONO, Maine – For the first time in program history Columbia field hockey defeated a top-25 team after taking down No. 22 Boston University, 4-3, in overtime Saturday afternoon. The Lions (2-1) overcame a one-goal deficit in the fourth quarter deficit to force overtime and sophomore Allison Smith's golden goal in the 70^th minute gave Columbia the upset win.

"It's a huge testament to the work we've put in the last few years. BU was a really tough opponent and we overcame a lot of obstacles to earn this victory," said captains Kelsey Farkas and Kelly McCarthy. "BU played really well and their goalkeeper was very strong, but we're so happy to come away with this win and excited that the first-years are seeing the culture we have and can build on it the rest of this year and beyond."

"I am super proud of the effort the team put in for the win," head coach Caroline Nelson Nichols said. "Today's game was a good step forward for our program against a tough opponent in BU. The victory was truly a full team effort."

Farkas came up with the equalizer in the final minute of regulation on the receiving end of a penalty corner play that she initiated. The junior midfielder inserted to McCarthy at the top of the circle, who settled the ball for Brooke Gasser. Gasser slipped a pass back to Farkas on the left side of the cage and lit the lamp to extend the contest.

In the overtime, offensive chances were at a premium for both teams until Smith and Jaimie McCormick worked a give-and-go to give Smith an open lane to the goal. The sophomore buried the opportunity with 16 seconds left on the clock to give the Lions the walk-off triumph.

Columbia took an early lead in the fourth minute when Jennifer Trieschman extended her goal scoring streak to three games, bringing her season total to four. However, BU's Miya Denison knotted things up in the seventh minute, finishing off a feed from Mikayla Crowley to even things up at 1-1.

In the second quarter, the Lions drew a corner and Brooke Gasser found the back of the net in the 22^nd minute, thanks to a helper from McCarthy to put Columbia back in front.

The Lions took that 2-1 advantage into the locker room, but the Terriers (3-3) answered seven minutes into the second half on an Ellie McIntyre tally to square things up once again. Goalkeeper Alexa Conomikes came up with six saves in the second half to keep it a 2-2 contest before BU's Maggie New gave the Terriers their first lead of the game with 6:52 on the clock.

"We'll enjoy this win tonight, but we have another tough test tomorrow against Maine," Farkas and McCarthy stated. "We know the Ivy League is one of the best conferences in the country, and to compete there we have to compete with these teams. But it is a great first step in trying to achieve what we're ultimately trying to accomplish."

Columbia's showdown at No. 24 Maine is set for Sunday, September 15. Game time is set for 1 p.m. and can be viewed on AETV.

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