Box Score NEW YORK -- Powered by Chandler Jean-Jacques' second half hat trick, the Columbia Lions (2-0) recorded their second win of the season, 10-9, over LIU (0-4). Down 5-3 in the third quarter, Jean-Jacques found the back of the net three times in six minutes to keep the Lions in contention. Tied at 9-9 with less than 20 seconds left in regulation, senior captain Katie Lutz capitalized on the game-winning strike.

Under the direction of first year head coach Anne Murray, Columbia secures its first 2-0 start since 2010. 

"We were really proud of the fight our players showed in this win," reflected Murray. "The defense had another solid performance and our attack is finding our chemistry more and more with each game. The spark from players coming off the bench pushed us forward and we showed our grit the entire game."

Following a tough defensive battle in the first quarter, first-year Noelle DeMarinis opened scoring nearly ten minutes into the first quarter. The Sharks, however, countered 13 seconds later. Lutz added a tally of her own before LIU's Whitney Moran leveled the score 2-2 at the first quarter break. Moran went on to record the lone goal of the second quarter, putting the Sharks up 3-2 at the half.

At the conclusion of a back and forth third quarter, headlined by Jean Jacques' heroics, Columbia trailed 6-7 with 13 minutes left to play. Senior Rachel Graff recorded the equalizer at 12:56 before Lutz secured the Lions' first go-ahead of the fourth quarter. LIU's leading scorer, Amanda Masullo, reclaimed an 8-8 tie, which held until Payton Lill pushed the Lions yet another goal ahead.

With two minutes left to play, Long Island's Jen Gaffney threatened overtime with an unassisted goal. Undeterred, the Columbia's defense held steady denying Gaffney a second attempt on goal and regaining possession for the Lions. 

With the game on the line, Lutz powered past a pair of Long Island defenders before tossing her third of the day, decisively into the net. 

"We are looking forward to getting back to work in preparation for Saturday," explained Murray. "This was invaluable experience for the upcoming season."

The Lions will host its second NEC opponent on Saturday as the Bryant Bulldogs travel to Inwood for a 1:00 P.M. start.

For the latest on Columbia lacrosse, follow @Columbia_Lax on Twitter, @CULionsLAX on Instagram, on Facebook at Facebook.com/ColumbiaLax and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.