Senior forward Katie Kutas (New York Mills/New York Mills) netted a hat-trick as the Utica College field hockey team knocked off nationally-ranked No. 20 RPI 3-2 in non-conference play on the turf at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium Wednesday.

The Pioneers have won five of their last six contests and they improve to 7-6 overall with the victory. UC's only loss in its last six contests came against nationally-ranked Stevens on Sunday and the Pioneers led 1-0 for the majority of the contest. RPI has now lost three consecutive one goal games and drops to 8-5 overall.

The Red Hawks took an early 1-0 lead when senior forward Kristiina Baker (Bolton, MA / Nashoba Regional) netted her sixth goal of the season on an assist from sophomore midfielder Audrey Newcomb (Southwick, MA / Southwick-Tolland Regiona) just 54 seconds into the contest.

Kutas then took over the game. She netted three consecutive goals over the course of two halves and in a span of 47:32 to give the Pioneers a commanding 3-1 with just over 15 minutes left in the contest. The former Empire 8 Conference Player of the Year's first goal came from the stick of junior midfielder Elizabeth Knudsen (Rome/Rome) at the 6:13 mark of the first half to knot the contest up at 1-1. Her second goal of the game came from freshman Mallory Mariano (Vernon Verona Sherrill/Oneida) at 25:25 to give UC a 2-1 lead before the half. Kutas would add the eventual game-winner, her team-high tenth of the season, at the 53:45 mark of the second half. Mariano and Rebecca Corsones (Kingston/Hurley) were each credited with an assist on the Pioneers final goal of the evening.

Kutas currently ranks second on the College's all-time scoring list with 97 career points. She needs two goals to tie the College's record for goals in a career (46) currently held by former All-American Shannon Rohacek.

RPI added a goal with 35 seconds left on the clock when sophomore Sandy Turnbull (Upperville, VA / Chatham Hall) tipped in a shot from Baker to close out the scoring on the day.
Amanda McDonnell (Portsmouth Abby/Sagamore Beach, MA) stopped nine shots in net for UC, while Briana Earle (Baldwinsville, NY / C. W. Baker) made four saves in goal for the Red Hawks. RPI out shot UC 12-10 on the day and they also earned a 14-4 penalty corner advantage.

UC returns to action Saturday when they travel to conference rival Ithaca College to take on the Bombers at 1 p.m. The Red Hawks return to action on Tuesday when they host Castleton St. at Harkness Field (6pm).

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