The Columbia field hockey team started its home season off on the right foot, blanking Fairfield 2-0 on Wednesday night. The win was the Lions’ first of the season, ending the team’s three-game losing streak.

The Light Blue (1-3) received its offense from a pair of sophomores. Julie Hatchett opened the scoring for Columbia by redirecting a pass from Megan Davidson past Stags keeper Elizabeth Thomas nine minutes into the contest. The goal was the first of Hatchett’s collegiate career. Columbia dominated Fairfield (1-5) offensively in the first half, firing 10 shots on goal while not allowing a single Fairfield attempt. The Stags were up to the task, however, with Thomas making six saves to keep Fairfield in the game.

But despite its defensive effort, Fairfield was unable to muster anything offensively, with only three shots on goal for the game. An insurance goal by Christine Buszczak off of a corner as time expired in the first period proved to be more than enough to sink the Stags.

Buszczak led the Lions in shot attempts with three, while Davidson and Liz Reeve added an assist apiece. Goalkeeper Gena Miller needed to make just two saves on the night, with both coming in the second period. All three of Fairfield’s shot attempts came from Molly Byrnes.

Columbia will continue its home stand this weekend with a non-conference game against Lehigh. The match is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m.