Field Hockey | 9/11/2021 3:11:00 PM
UTICA, NY - The Utica College field hockey team scored three goals in each half to down visiting Washington & Jefferson College 6-3 in the 2021 Empire 8 Conference opener on Saturday. Graduate student Sydney Scaccia had two goals and one assist to pace the Pioneers.
Utica got on the board at 2:05 when Madeline Krecidlo netted her fourth goal in the last three games, assisted by Scaccia.
The Presidents responded just over three minutes later as sophomore Hailey Wachowiak scored her team-leading fourth of the year off an assist by Lindsey Diggan.
Utica took a 2-1 lead at 6:47 when senior Jeslyn Files buried her own rebound for her first of the year. Once again W&J responded this time by-way-of a penalty stroke goal by Lina Crowley at 8:31 to even the score at two goals apiece.
Sophomore Alyssa Pisano put UC back on top at 22:42 with her first collegiate goal off a failed clearing attempt by the W&J defense to give the Pioneers a 3-2 lead at halftime.
Utica came out flying in the second half earning a penalty corner within the first 25 seconds that led to Scaccia's first goal of the day, off an assist by Jeslyn Files. Diggan and Crowley connected for the President's third goal at 32:18, but Scaccia's second of the day, also assisted by Files, gave Utica a much needed insurance tally.
Junior Shannon Jedreicich iced the game with three seconds remaining as she put in a feed by Mackenzie Mix for her second of the season.
Senior Megan Chamberlain made a season-high 13 saves in the win, while her counterpart, Anastacia Godat finished with five saves.
The Pioneers remain home on Wednesday as they host SUNY Brockport in a non-conference contest. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.