Meelan's Hat Trick Lifts Utica Over Brockport
UTICA, NY- The Utica College field hockey team jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back as it cruised to a 4-2 win over visiting Brockport Wednesday evening at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium. Senior Rylee Meelan led the way with three goals on the day.
Meelan wasted little time getting things going as she put in a loose ball in front just 1:57 into the game for her first of the day. Sophomore Sydney Scaccia assisted on Meelan's tally.
The score remained the same until the final minute of the first half as junior Josie Sgarlata ripped a shot from five yards out that went under the outstretched arm of Brockport keeper Adriana DeDie, for her second of the year.
The Pioneers tacked on another tally at 42:22 as Meelan ran down the right hand side and rocketed a shot inside the far post for her second of the day. Jenny Robbins played a perfect ball through to hit Meelan in stride and set up the eventual game-winner.
The Golden Eagles would not go down without a fight as they scored the game's next two goals to put the pressure on the Pioneers.
Meelan capped off the day with an insurance tally as she hooked up with Scaccia again at 63:20 to complete the hat trick. Meelan now has 33 goals in her career, tying her with 2014 graduate and All-American, Alaina Stojkovski, for fifth in the College's career record book.
Freshman Megan Chamberlain made three saves to pick up her third win of the year, while DeDie made seven saves in the loss. Utica outshot Brockport 26-9 on the day and held a 14-9 advantage in penalty corners.
The Pioneers (3-3) will travel to Empire 8 Conference foe Houghton College on Saturday. Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m.