Utica University Athletics

Utica, NY (September 1, 2014) - Senior forward Shane Ruffing of the Utica College men's soccer team opened the season with five goals over the course of two games to pace the Pioneers to a 2-0 opening weekend at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium. For his efforts he was named the College’s Male Athlete of the Week.

Ruffing became just the fourth player in program-history to score at least three goals in a single game as the Pioneers kicked off their 2014 campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Sage Friday night. He added two more goals in a 4-0 victory over Purchase on Saturday. Ruffing is off to one of the hottest starts in program-history and he is just one goal shy of his career best of six goals in a single season which he set back in 2013. 

Ruffing's 36 career points (16 goals, four assists) are now tied for sixth all-time at UC and his 16 career goals are tied for fourth all-time.

Ruffing is also a stand out on the UC track & field team (sprints/hurdles), winning Empire 8 Conference Track Athlete of the Year honors last Spring.

The Pioneers return to the pitch on Wednesday when they travel to SUNYIT at 6 p.m.