UTICA, NY – The Utica College women's ice hockey team defeated host Neumann College 4-3 Sunday afternoon in ECAC West action. The win was the third in a row for the Pioneers.

The Pioneers got off to a fast start by scoring two goals early in the first period. Amanda Finkle scored her 10th goal of the season with a power play goal 3:55 into the game. Krystal Cummings (Victor, NY/) netted her 7th goal of the season, bringing the score to 2-0 only 8:07 into the contest. Deanna Wiegand (Utica, MI/) had the assist on both goals.

Neumann would bounce back, and score a goal 8:23 into the second period when Carly Fitzsimmons (Sudbury Wolves/Capreol, ONT) scored her 10th goal of the season. The Pioneers answered quickly, as Andrea Maxon (Canton, NY/Hugh C. Williams) scored her 9th goal of the season, giving the Pioneers a 3-1 lead 12:52 into the second period. Stephanie Price (River Rouge, MI/) and Laura Schnitker (Laramie, WY/) had the assist on Maxon's goal.

In the third Period, Neumann converted on a two-man advantage when Fitzsimmons scored her second goal of the game with just over eight minutes to play. The Pioneers would answer quickly, as Samantha Rowan (Trenton, MI/) scored her 10th goal of the season, scoring what turned out to be the game-winner with 3:47 remaining in the game. Wiegand tallied her third assist of the day on Rowan's goal.

Jenelle Marier (Sudbury Wolves/Sudbury, ONT) would score a power play goal for Neumann with 1:26 left, but it was too little to late as the Pioneers held on to the 4-3 victory.

Stephanie Yates (Garden Grove, CA/) had 21 saves on the afternoon for the Pioneers while Teresa White (Eugene Midget Boys/Salem, OR) had 22 saves for Neumann.

With the win, the Pioneers improve their record to 15-4-3 overall and 7-2-2 in the ECAC West division. The Pioneers return to action this afternoon when they finish their two-game set at Neumann College. The puck drops at 2:00 p.m.

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