Utics Cruises to E8 Victory Over Alfred
Alfred, NY – The Utica College women’s lacrosse team jumped out to an 11-1 lead in the first half and never looked back as it cruised to a 14-4 victory over host Alfred University in Empire 8 Conference action Saturday morning. Senior Katlyn Banker netted a game-high four goals and added one assist, while freshman Samantha Gebler added three goals and two assists to help UC move its overall record to 7-5. The Pioneers also advanced to 2-3 in conference play, while the host Saxons dropped to 4-8 overall and 0-5 in the E8.
Utica outshot Alfred 31-16 and it also won 13-of-19 draw controls. Sophomore Janet Campo netted three goals, while senior goalie Shelby Barbay picked up three ground balls, caused one turnover and made one save in 30 minutes of action.
The Pioneers scored the game’s first five goals to take a 5-0 advantage in the first 8:25 of action. Banker netted two goals, while Megan Kane, Gebler and Campo each registered one goal in the Pioneers’ initial burst.
After Alfred’s Ashley White scored the Saxon’s first goal, the Pioneers rattled of six straight before the half to seal a ten goal lead, 11-1. Campo registered her second of the day, while Kristen Beckman and Julia Primps each added a goal in UC’s run. Morgan Dupont, Gebler and Banker each scored a goal before the half for UC as well.
Both team’s netted three second half goals as the Pioneers held on for the ten goal victory.
Meghan Olesen registered a team-best four draw controls and Jennifer Rogaski added three ground balls for the Pioneers. Backup goalie Stephanie Belanger played the entire second half between the pipes and she stopped four shots for UC.