HENNIKER, NH - The Utica College women's hockey team opened up the 2007-2008 season Saturday with a convincing 8-1 win over host New England College.

The Pioneers, who defeated the Toronto Rattlers 4-1 in an exhibition game at the Utica Memorial Auditorium last Thursday, improved to 1-0 overall Saturday. The Pilgrims of New England College dropped to 0-1 with the loss.

UC opened the scoring early in the first period when junior captain Samantha Rowan (Trenton, MI/) beat Pilgrim goalie Danielle Giancola on an assist from freshman Darcy Hier (Centennial, CO/) 2:43 into the contest. Rowan, who was named the Utica College Female Athlete of the Week Monday, also netted one game-winning goal and added two assists in the Pioneers' exhibition win over Toronto.

Senior captain Laura Schnitker (Laramie, WY/) netted the game-winner at 2:05 of the second period on an assist from junior forward Krystal Cummings (Victor, NY/). Sophomore forward Andrea Maxon (Canton, NY/Hugh C. Williams) gave the Pioneers a 4-0 lead after she scored two straight power play goals at 9:18 and 11:00 of the second period. Freshman Meagan Sudik (West Bend, WI/) and Rowan assisted on the both of Maxon's goals.

The Pioneers netted four insurance goals in the third period to close out the scoring on the day. Hier tallied her first two collegiate goals and Maxon completed the hat-trick in the final stanza. Maxon earned ECAC Women's West Player of the Week Honorable Mention for her accomplishments this past week.

Seven different Pioneers tallied multiple points in the high-scoring regular season opener. Rowan tallied one goal and two assists, while Schnitker posted two points. Junior transfer Michelle Witz (Pelham, NY/) netted her first goal as a Pioneer and Hier tallied three points total. Cummings and freshman Ann Rancourt (Cleveland, OH/) each assisted on two goals.

Sophomore goalie Jill Doherty (Wellesley, MA/Kents Hill) earned third star honors after stopping 28 shots in 60:00 of action, while her counterpart, Giancola, made 26 saves.

UC netted 50% (3-of-6) of its power play opportunities and out shot the Pilgrims 34-29.

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