UTICA, NY - The Utica College football team earned the biggest victory in its four-year history, defeating the Rensselaer Engineers 9-7 Saturday in front of a packed house at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium.

The victory marks the first ever win streak for the Pioneers, who defeated Husson College 46-24 last Saturday. They now stand at 2-1 overall, the first time the team has ever been over .500.

The Pioneers dominated both sides of the field for much of the game. Offensively, the team had a big day on ground, racking up 207 total rushing yards. Sophomore running back Tyrell Robinson (Middletown, NY/Middletown) proved to be the spark plug the offense needed, gaining 137 yards on a team-record 39 carries, and was a major reason for most of the Pioneers' 15 first downs. Sophomore quarterback Nick Martin (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) was 8-for-23 on the day, including a 32-yard touchdown pass to freshman James Proniewych (Medford, NY/Patchogue-Medford). Martin also rushed for 33 yards on 10 carries. Kicker Michael Blanchfield (Hoosick Falls, NY/Cambridge) made a 17-yard field goal midway through the third period and it was enough to keep the Pioneers ahead for the rest of the game.

Defensively, the Pioneers were able to shutout the Engineers until late in the fourth quarter. Senior Anthony Venturino (Utica, NY/DeSales) led the way with 12.5 total tackles, two breakups and one sack. He also had two interceptions, the last one coming with 1:14 left in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. Senior William Vooris (Rensselaer, NY/Rensselaer) put pressure on Rensselaer's quarterback all game and came up with three sacks.

The Pioneers will hit the road next Saturday to face Empire 8 rival Springfield College. Game time is scheduled for 1:30.

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