FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Head Coach Jackie Kane had celebrated 99 wins prior to this afternoon's game against Ball State University. But few could have been as exciting for the head coach as today's as the Fairfield University field hockey team overcame a two-goal deficit late in the second half to post a 5-4 double overtime victory against the Cardinals.

The Stags jumped out to a 1-0 lead when Marit Westenberg converted a pass from Molly Byrnes, catching the left corner of the cage with a back-handed shot 10 minutes into the game. Ball State tied the game off  Brittany Hammer's goal as she controlled a rebound and pushed it past goalkeeper Caitlin O'Donnell. The Cardinals took the lead nine minutes later courtesy Hannah Jones' goal, giving the visitors a 2-1 halftime lead.

Westenberg tied the game 12 minutes into the second half with another back-handed shot that made the score 2-2. Once again, Ball State answered with a pair of goals courtesy of goals from Jones and Elizabeth Blaum, giving the Cardinals a commanding 4-2 advantage with 11 minutes remaining in regulation.

Fairfield's amazing comeback started when Anne Nieuwenhuis took a penalty corner pass from Melaine Leo and stroked the ball into the near corner, cutting the lead to one goal. One minute later, Jill Piacquadio secured a loose ball 40 yards from goal, and sprung free from her defender for a one-on-one opportunity with goalkeeper Tiffany Shifflett. Piacquadio pushed the ball past the charging goalkeeper to tie the game with 4:21 on the clock.

In overtime, both teams had chances but both goalkeepers kept the score at 4-4. O'Donnell made five saves in the extra time, while Shifflett stoipped three shots. With 1:29 on the clock, Carly McCullough found free space in the center of the circle and beat Shifflett who was slightly off the goal line, ending the game.

The Stags return to action on Sunday when they host Villanova University at University Field. Game time is slated for 1 pm.