The Elmira College Soaring Eagles (2-6, 1-2 E8) found their offensive spark in Shannon Desgrosiellier '08 (New York Mills, NY -- New York Mills) this afternoon, as the team sailed to a 2-1 victory over the Pioneers of Utica College (4-7, 0-3 E8).

EC went down 1-0 in the 21st minute of the game, as Utica's Laurie Calvasina scored off of an assist from Katie Kutas. The Purple and Gold were unable to convert any of their 8 attempted shots throughout the entire half. Jalene McCulloch '10 (Belleville, ONT -- Millbrook) worked her magic in the net, recording 5 saves, but at the end of the half, the Soaring Eagles trailed the Pioneers by 1 goal.

It was in the second half of the game that Desgrosiellier took matters into her own hands. The fourth year midfielder received a pass from Casey Ross '09 (Whitney Point, NY -- Whitney Point Central), and whipped it past Utica goalie Margaret Wright to tie the game for EC.

Ross would, too, add fuel to the offensive fire. The third year midfielder snuck past the defense, scoring off of a pass from teammate Caitlin Roman '11 (Verbank, NY -- Millbrook).

The end of the game was a frantic one for both teams, with Utica scrambling to get their offense going. As the final minutes of the game dwindled down, however, it was clear that the victory would go to the Purple and Gold.

McCulloch tallied a total of 11 saves in the contest. The second year goalie is ranked first in the Empire 8 for overall saves and saves per game.

Field Hockey returns to action this Tuesday as they host SUNY Brockport in a non-conference game at 3:30 p.m. at the Murray Athletics Center.  The Pioneers will take on host RPU at Harkness Field Wednesday at 4 p.m.

                                   (Sandwich, MA/Kimball Union Academy) #