UTICA, NY – The nationally-ranked No. 9 Utica College women's hockey team defeated host Oswego St. 6-2 Wednesday night in non-conference action at the Campus Center Ice Arena. Jill Nolan (Labrador, Newfoundland/) and Amanda Finkle each tallied two third period goals to seal the victory for the Pioneers.

Oswego struck first on an even strength goal from Angie Friesen just 13:27 into the first period. Nicole Holman assisted on the goal to give the Lakers a 1-0 lead.

Just over a minute later the Pioneers netted their first goal of the season to tie the game at 1-1. Samantha Rowan (Trenton, MI/) scored a power play goal assisted by Kelly Bills (Penfield, NY/) and Laura Schnitker (Laramie, WY/). Forty one seconds later Kelli Vossler (Saranac Lake, NY/) netted her first goal of the season to give UC a 2-1 advantage. Finkle and senior captain Stephanie Price (River Rouge, MI/) assisted on the goal.

Oswego tied the game up early in the second half when Tiffany Duquette tallied her second goal of the season. Rachel Esenwein and Stephanie Esposito were credited with the assist.
Nolan and Finkle helped the Pioneers run away with the contest in the third period. Nolan was credited with the game-winner just six minute into the third, assisted by Schnitker and Price. Finkle followed with her first goal of the night, assisted by Amanda McDonnell (Sagamore Beach, MA/) . Deanna Wiegand (Utica, MI/) tallied her first point of the year when she assisted on Nolan's second goal in the twelfth minute of the third. Finkle closed out the third period scoring, assisted by Price and Vossler.

Senior goalie Stephanie Yates (Garden Grove, CA/) made 11 stops in net, while Oswego St. goalie Hilary Hitchman fended off 37 shots in 60:00 minutes.

The Pioneers are now 1-0 and will return to action at 4 p.m. Saturday against visiting Chatham in the regular season home opener for the Pioneers.
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