After a frustrating stretch in which they went 0-3-2, the Columbia women’s soccer team (7-5-4, 2-3-1 Ivy) finally got the win they were looking for in a 2-1 victory over Harvard (10-5-1, 3-3 Ivy) on senior day at Columbia Soccer Stadium. It was their first two-goal effort since a draw against Marist on Oct. 8.

After a ceremony honoring the team’s five seniors, and with their families cheering throughout the game, it was only fitting that two members of the class of 2008 made key contributions to Columbia’s effort.

In its final home game of the season, the Light Blue was focused from the start of play. Its aggressiveness on the attack paid off in the seventh minute, when senior midfielder/forward Gudrun Finnsdottir’s header found the back of the net to give Columbia a 1-0 lead. The Lions held on to this advantage for most of the half, but with less than two minutes to play in the first period, the Light Blue conceded to Harvard freshman Gina Wideroff, her fifth goal of the season. The Lions’ early momentum diminished, and the teams entered halftime tied at one goal apiece.

In its four games prior to this match, Columbia had given up at least one first-half goal, which had led to either a loss or a draw. Based on those results, it seemed that the Lions were doomed, but Saturday night was the start of something new.

From the beginning of the second period, the Lions came out determined to send the seniors out with a victory. The momentum shifted, and once again the Crimson did not have an answer for Finnsdottir, as she scored in the 70th minute for her third tally of the season.

“Gudrun finished both chances well,” head coach Kevin McCarthy said. “She put herself in great position.”

In addition to being honored as the Ivy League Player of the Week for her performance, Finnsdottir was named a member of the SoccerBuzz Elite Team of the Week.

With a 2-1 lead in place, the game could not end soon enough for the Lions. They were able to run some time off the clock, but Harvard had a few more chances to tie the game. Senior goalkeeper Allison Vespa came through, however, making three key stops to preserve Columbia’s lead. She now has 58 saves on the year.

“The team did a good job of limiting a talented Harvard squad,” McCarthy said. “Allie ... made those saves that she needed to make.”

Freshman Chrissy Butler also helped maintain the Light Blue’s lead, as she saw some playing time towards the end of the second half. She did not start due to a hamstring injury sustained against Yale on Oct. 26.

With this win, the Lions are guaranteed to finish their overall campaign with a winning record. They will look for their third conference victory Saturday in their league finale at Cornell.